Introduction to Violinbabies

All children love making music, and given the right opportunity, many can play a real instrument from a very early age.

Violinbabies provides just that opportunity for younger ones to:

  • learn to play the Violin
  • overcome the sight reading barrier
  • acquire the very best techniques right from the start
  • really enjoy themselves in the process

Violinbabies children learn to play the Violin in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. They compose their own melodies, and advance toward reading conventional music notation in a natural progression, but at a much earlier age than is normal - some even before they can read!

Violinbabies has been developed by Kay Tucker, one of the UK's leading cello teachers. Kay originally developed the Cellobabies program following result of years of experience with younger cellists.

The program has now been transferred to the violin with the help, encouragement and participation of leading UK violin teachers.

Violinbabies background

Everyone knows that conventional music notation is very difficult for a pre-school child to grasp, especially when trying to learn the 'mechanics' of playing a Violin at the same time. To overcome this, Kay devised her own simple notation so that the child can concentrate on becoming comfortable with his or her instrument.

The youngster is led on to perform well while confidently sight-reading conventional notation. This takes place at his or her own pace through five easy stages.

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Violinbabies strengths

As the young player progresses through the Violinbabies programme, they naturally develop strength in:

  • early Violin playing [obviously!]
  • early, confident sight-reading
  • composing experience
  • aural skills [listening]
  • posture, bowing and left hand skills
  • presentation & performance skills
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Violinbabies values

Violinbabies is designed to be fun and rewarding! No slave driving, no regimentation. Structured home practise is gradually introduced as the program proceeds.

A typical session will include playing, singing & musical games, all with a strong emphasis on enjoyment.

Groups are kept very small; this enables the teacher to concentrate on each child and develop the best playing habits right from the beginning.

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Violinbabies & exams

Violinbabies teachers will enter children for external exams, but only when a child is emotionally ready. Some children may be technically able long before that time arrives and that is fine. Exams are not the be-all and end-all!

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Violinbabies session details

Violinbabies is based in the Horsham area of West Sussex [UK], but the teachers can be anywhere. Please have a look at the directory to see if there is a teacher near you

Sessions last for no more than 30 minutes [less for the youngest], in cheerful & comfortable surroundings. Parents can stay or not as they please.

Children are either taught individually or in very small classes of no more than three. Your child won't get lost in the crush.

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Violins for Violinbabies

One advantage of the violin is that they are much less expensive than a cello. A small child needs a small Violin - typically 1/10th or even 1/16th full size.

Recommended specialist suppliers: Ackerman Music

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