Six steps, each at your own pace

• Hold the instrument and the bow

• Listen and copy short sounds

• Play open strings in time

• Take a bow after playing

Your teacher moves you up when the sounds are steady and you ask for a tune. Everyone moves at their own pace.

• Play a first short piece from memory

• Keep a steady pulse with the group

• Use the bow on each string

• Listen for the end of a phrase

When the first pieces feel easy, your teacher adds the next ones. There is no clock.

• Read simple notes alongside what you hear

• Play with a piano accompanist

• Practice a hard bar slowly, then up to speed

• Tune the instrument with help

You move on when reading feels as natural as listening. Your teacher talks it over with you and a parent.

• Play a piece of a page or more

• Shape loud and soft

• Learn a new position on the fingerboard

• Play for a small room of friends

Your teacher decides with you when a longer piece is ready for a concert.

• Play a part in an ensemble

• Watch the leader and each other

• Start and finish together

• Play a part of your own

When your group plays comfortably together, your teacher offers the next piece.