The Training
The teacher training programme provides a thorough knowledge of Colourstrings
The training program is designed for
- Teachers who would like to integrate the Colourstrings method into their teaching
- Teachers who are already teaching with the Colourstrings method and would like to deepen their knowledge.
- Teachers who wish to become fully certified Colourstrings teachers
A partial certificate is awarded at each level of training. The training can be done in stages over many years.
An introduction to the method is obligatory for entry into Phase 1. The introduction and the first phase already provide many skills for teaching with the Colourstrings method.
Training Program
Introduction (online or face-to-face)
An introductory course to the core elements of Colourstrings
Either as a face-to-face course over a few days or as an online course : video tutorials and written material will allow you to study at your own pace (in preparation).
To enter phase 1, the introduction is obligatory.
Recommended and suitable for anyone interested in Colourstrings, no previous knowledge required.
Phase 1 (face-to-face)
Duration: 5-6 days
Admission requirements:
- Completion of the introduction or another basic course with one of the tutors from the Colourstrings team
The intensive course provides a profound knowledge into the Colourstrings teaching material and the Colourstrings philosophy, which is based on Zoltan Kodaly’s pedagogical principles.
It includes workshops on how to achieve balanced ergonomic positions for the right and left hand, vibrato and different bowings for beginners, methodology, pedagogy of group teaching and ensemble playing. Participants will be thoroughly advised on how to use the Colourstrings material with their own students – all in the context of evidence-based teaching and learning in the 21st century.
The own Colourstrings material will be required at the course.
Phase 2 A & 2 B (hands-on workshops)
Duration: 2 – 3 days for each of the phases
Admission requirements:
- Completion of the Introduction course (or another basic course with our tutors) & Phase 1
- Approx. 50 lessons of teaching one’s own student (with at least 2 different students) covering Colourstrings books A,B,C,D, Sonatini, Duettini and Kreutzerini, Rascals 1 and 2 and Scales for Children 1.
- Familiarity with each page of the Violin Books A,B,C, D Sonatini, Duettini and Kreutzerini, CS scales 1, Rascals 1 and 2
Understanding of the following basic principles:
- Bow guiding
- Molding right and left hand positions
- Introducing Vibrato
Content:
In two separate practical teaching workshops (2-3 days each), you will be required to teach any given page from the material listed above (with accompaniment where applicable).
The participants may bring their own students or teach the children provided, in a workshop situation supervised by teacher trainers.
Teaching material during the workshops:
Exercises and pieces from Colourstrings Books A, B, C, D as well as Duettini, Sonatini and Kreutzerini and Rascals Books 1 and 2 and Scales for Children 1.
Your own Colourstrings material will be required at the cours
Phase 3
Duration: 4 – 5 days
This concluding phase of the training is all about learning from and with each other! Based on video recordings of participants’ own Colourstrings teaching, we will share experiences, views and approaches to teaching and learning within different pedagogical settings.
Admission requirements:
- Successful completion of the Introduction, Phases 1, 2A & 2 B
- A deep knowledge of Books A-D and all the accompanying material (estimated time after phase 2A and 2B approx. 1-2 years)
- Basic knowledge of Books E and F, Yellow pages I-III and the chamber music and orchestra material
Video recordings of the own teaching and a short Colourstrings CV should be sent at least six months before enrolling for Phase 3.
The CV should answer the following questions:
How long and where have you been teaching with Colourstrings?
How many students have you been teaching using Colourstrings?
Did you attend other Colourstrings courses (besides Phase 1-3) ? If yes, where and when?
Have you previously observed Colourstrings teaching at the East Helsinki Music Institute or elsewhere? If yes, when and for how long?
The video recordings must include:
-
- Teaching sample: Own choice pieces or exercises from Colourstrings Books A, B, C and D, recorded with students of level A, B, C and D during their normal lesson time
- Teaching of scales and Kreutzerini
- Public student performances of own choice pieces from Colourstrings Rascals Books, Sonatini or Duettini books (with accompaniment where required)
The duration of the recording should be between 20-30 minutes, and including group and individual teaching.
We will analyse the videos together (online or in-person) and discuss and share views on:
- Tone quality, including the use of bow, phrasing and musical expression
- Appropriate and relaxed playing positions
- Intonation and rhythm quality
- “Inner hearing” skills of the students
- Learning atmosphere and pedagogical approaches
The teacher trainer reserves the right to award the certificate for this phase, based on the participant´s ability to demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of the material and the ability to communicate this effectively to the children.
If the Phase 3 certificate is not awarded, the attendee will receive a document in recognition of their participation in this phase.
To gain a thorough understanding of the Colourstrings method, participants may choose to complete this phase more than once.
For further information contact : colourstrings@colourstrings.org
Grant of the Certification
Colourstrings Teachers Certification
Requirements:
1. Successful completion of the introduction and the Phases 1-3.
- Previous completion of a tertiary pedagogy or artistic study of a string instrument, or any other proof of high-level instrumental skills (such as membership of a professional orchestra, a teaching position at a state music school etc.)
-
Teaching experience with the Colourstrings method (app. 200 lessons with own students covering Colourstrings© Books A,B,C,D, Sonatini, Duettini, Kreutzerini, Colourstrings Scales for Children and the Rascals Books)
Having fulfilled all of these requirements, the Colourstrings tutors will grant the Colourstrings Teachers Certificate. The Colourstrings Teachers Certificate entitles the holder to use the title
“Certified Colourstrings Teacher CCT”.
Growth and development take time.
Learning takes practice.
Take your time!
