progressive achievement recognition (PAR) program
 
 

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Students in my studio have an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the goals for each level of technical and musical proficiency set by the American String Teacher's Association. Each successive level of achievement will be awarded a colored tassel in the manner of martial arts "belts." A brief description of skills at each level and assigned tassel colors are as follows:
 

 

Foundation: correct violin and bow holds, developing intonation and rhythm

White

 Level 1: use of 4 fingers/4 strings, low 2nd finger notes

Green
Level 2: more advanced bowings, dynamics, all 1st position notes (flats/sharps)

Red

 Level 3: introducing shifting and vibrato

Blue
Level 4: 3rd position playing, some double stops, more advanced bowing techniques

Yellow

 Level 5: more extended shifting, double-stop scales

Teal
Level 6: playing in upper positions, mixed bowings, faster double-stop passages

Purple

 Level 7: extended fast passages, accuracy of pitch and rhythm, complex string crossings

Black
Special Awards ~
Levels 8-10: increased bowing agility, power & tone with extensions of double-stops and vibrato; other advanced techniques