Category: 📘 1B Material Overview for Teachers
Violin 1B – Material Overview for Teachers
An important goal in Violin 1B is to strengthen and stabilize the daily practice routine established in Level 1A. Children and parents continue to work together on regular listening, daily review, and focused practice, while gradually developing more independence and longer concentration.
At the same time, technical foundations such as posture, bow hold, and basic coordination of both hands are further refined. This level expands the repertoire and musical understanding while supporting confidence, continuity, and joy in playing.
🎧 Listening
Listening includes recordings of the pieces students are learning now, as well as pieces from upcoming levels. In addition to solo versions, many pieces are also available in string trio arrangements.
Regular listening supports rhythmic security, intonation, musical character, and stylistic awareness.
🔁 Daily Review
Daily Review focuses on secure repetition of familiar material from Levels 1A and 1B. The teacher decides which pieces should be reviewed, for example in preparation for concerts or group lessons or performances.
If no specific review program is needed, teachers may choose from the guided review recordings available in the media library. These help maintain continuity, confidence, and enjoyment in daily practice.
🎹 Practice Accompaniments
This section offers three alternative approaches to working with practice accompaniments in Level 1B. Teachers are encouraged to choose one approach that best fits their teaching.
All approaches include accompaniments in different tempi (slow, medium, and performance tempo), as well as versions for listening and guided playing with violin and piano, and play-along versions with piano only, without violin.
⚙️ Technical Studies
Technical Studies continue the systematic development of violin technique for both the left and the right hand.
The exercises are based on My First Technique Book by Kerstin Wartberg and are available with piano accompaniment. The materials in the media library are selected excerpts from the book, chosen to support the technical focus of this level.
My First Technique Book is designed to be used over several levels and may accompany students over an extended period of study, rather than being limited to a single level.
♫ Note Reading
This section marks the first introduction to note reading. The focus is on basic rhythms only, without pitch reading. These simple rhythmic patterns help children connect movement, sound, and notation in a natural way. Pitch reading will be introduced later, starting in Level 2A.
🎼 Ensemble Pieces
The ensemble pieces offer opportunities for mixed-level group playing. Simple parts allow Level 1B students to participate confidently, while more advanced parts support ensemble playing with older students and seasonal or thematic repertoire.
🎥 Videos
The videos are specifically suited for students working in Level 1B. Many of them present the pieces the children are learning in a clear, musical, and engaging way. The videos support imitation, musical understanding, coordination, and stylistic awareness.
👨👩👧 Notes for Parents
This section offers short reflections for parents that emphasize patience, consistency, and long-term development. The focus is on understanding that musical growth takes time and that learning is not a race.
A printable PDF version of this material overview is available below.