StretchLearn Course

Learn the violin the right way, from your very first note

Build a relaxed hold, a clean bow arm, accurate fingering, and reliable tuning, so you sound musical and never have to unlearn bad habits.

Preview Curriculum Back to Catalog

Beginner9 hrSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

This course teaches the foundations of classical and fiddle violin technique using methods drawn from the Suzuki, Sassmannshaus, and traditional conservatory traditions. You will learn an ergonomic hold, a relaxed bow arm, accurate left-hand finger placement in first position, and how to tune by ear and with a tuner. Every lesson pairs a clear physical instruction with a specific practice drill and a named piece, so you can measure your own progress.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Hold the violin and bow with a relaxed, sustainable setup that prevents tension and injury

Tune all four strings to perfect fifths using a tuner, fine tuners, and your own ear

Draw a straight, even bow stroke that produces a clear tone without scratching or whistling

Place the left-hand fingers accurately in first position and play the one-octave A and D major scales in tune

Read first-position notes on the staff and connect them to specific string-and-finger locations

Perform several simple melodies such as Twinkle, Lightly Row, and Ode to Joy with a steady pulse

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Setting Up and Holding the Violin

Get the instrument fitted, sized, and rosined, then build the relaxed hold that every other skill depends on. You learn the names of the parts, how to size the violin, and how to stand and hold without tension.

3 lessons

Parts of the Violin and Choosing the Right SizeContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

Standing, Posture, and the Violin HoldContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Rosin, Tuning Pegs, and Daily CareContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: The Bow Arm and Tone Production

Build the bow hold and the straight, even stroke that creates a clean tone on the open strings. You learn the right-hand setup, how to move from the bigger arm joints, and how to fix scratch and whistle.

3 lessons

The Bow HoldContent · 45 min

LMS Access

The Straight Bow Stroke on Open StringsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Fixing Scratch, Whistle, and Crossing StringsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: The Left Hand and First Position

Set up the left hand and place the fingers accurately to play notes in first position. You learn the hand frame, finger numbers and tapes, and the one-octave D and A major scales.

3 lessons

Left-Hand Frame and Finger PlacementContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Finger Tapes and Playing in TuneContent · 45 min

LMS Access

First Scales: D Major and A MajorContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Tuning, Reading, and Your First Melodies

Put the skills together: tune reliably, read first-position notes on the staff, and perform simple melodies. You finish able to play recognizable tunes with a steady pulse and a clean tone.

3 lessons

Tuning by Tuner and by EarContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Reading First-Position Notes on the StaffContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Playing Your First MelodiesContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

violinbeginner violinbowing techniquefirst positionviolin tuningintonationmusic readinginstrument care