Fiona Portway

Tips and Tricks for Teaching Beginner Violin

Over the years, I have noticed many teachers, even those with years of experience, can feel hesitant about taking on preschool violin students. This presentation, Tips and Tricks for Teaching Beginner Violin, will support teachers to feel confident in helping these youngest students get off to a great start on their musical journey. Filled with practical ideas and suggestions you can use in your next lesson, this presentation will cover ideas to help with set up and posture, pre-reading activities, and sequential skill development for our youngest violinists. While this presentation is aimed at helping teachers working with preschool beginners, the suggestions will be useful for beginners of all ages and can be used alongside any method book.

Directing string ensembles is challenging!

How do we choose the right repertoire, make sure students are engaged, developing technical and musical skills and ready to perform at the next concert, all in a short rehearsal time with interruptions like exams, school camps and absences? It can feel overwhelming at times but with thoughtful planning and preparation rehearsals and performances can become a joy. This workshop will help ensemble directors to support the inclusion of a wider range of composers and musical styles as well as consider why we choose the music we do and what skill-based learning is important to include for our students. With effective and efficient planning, it is possible to have time to enjoy making music while developing the knowledge and abilities of our young musicians.

About Fiona Portway

Fiona Portway has been a string educator for 30 years and is a past president of AUSTA SA. Fiona is currently the Strings Coordinator at Seymour College, in Adelaide, where she directs a range of string ensembles from beginner to advanced, runs the String Immersion program and has developed a mentorship program within the strings community. As a string specialist, she is sought after for mentorship and professional development for string teachers both in SA and interstate. Fiona has had a long and varied playing career in chamber ensembles, music theatre productions and as a violinist in a range of performing bands. Her belief in the importance of setting a strong foundation for violinists and love of teaching young beginners has led to her specialisation in teaching beginner violin for three to five year olds. Fiona is passionate about creating a learning environment that supports all students to engage in music making and develop their own passion for music.