Instructors: Dawn Hanley, Jane Minnis, Dylan Spielvogel

DPS Music

DPS Elementary Strings

Do you need an
Information Packet?
Contact your school's
string teacher

Introduction to Strings

In the third grade, students are invited to begin learning the violin, viola or cello as part of the Beginner String Program.

The Third Grade String Program in Darien has been designed to be musically and socially educational.  It enhances the growth of the student by being responsive to the individual needs of each player.  The program involves weekly half-hour, small group lessons of similar instruments given during the school day at a time that is least disruptive to the classroom environment.  There are at least two performances each year.

Online video demonstrations of the instruments can be seen here:
Violin           Viola           Cello

Instruments are rented through The Strad, a local small string instrument company.  This company provides each child with a high quality instrument, and will work with the string teacher to keep the instrument in proper playing condition. 

Learning to play a string instrument will teach a child responsibility and self-discipline.  Musical training can help children in many ways, including improved study habits and increased intellectual understanding.  Most of all, a student will enjoy the feeling of pride which comes from successfully playing an instrument.  We hope that your child will join us for this rewarding experience.  

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school string teacher by phone or e-mail.

Sincerely,
Dawn Hanley (Hindley, Holmes & Tokeneke)
Jane Minnis (Royle)
Dylan Spielvogel (Ox Ridge)

What is the cost of the Beginner String Program?
There is no charge for the in-school lessons.  Parents are responsible for the cost of the instrument rental and lesson book.

Should I buy my son a violin or should I rent?
We strongly encourage you to rent a small-sized instrument rather than buy one.  String instruments come in a different sizes, from 1/16 to 4/4.  Parents should wait to purchase an instrument until the child can play a full-sized model.

My child is left-handed.  Does this affect his playing of a string instrument?
A string instrument is not a right-handed or left-handed instrument.  Those students that are left-handed will be extremely strong at learning the fingerings.

My child plays piano.  Which is the best instrument for her to learn?
The violin reads the same notes as the right hand of piano and the cello reads the same notes as the left hand of piano.  The viola has its own clef (alto), which no other instrument reads.