When registering your student please consider their level very carefully.
CADET
This may be the violinist’s first violin competition. At this moment in time, the violinist should have good posture and correctly hold the instrument. The violinist is learning how to play in first position, while using basic bow strokes. Their bow is following a straight path, while at the sounding point.
elementary
At this moment, the violinist is comfortable with all the skills described for the cadet level. The violinist is starting to learn shifting from first to third position, while experiencing different rhythmic patterns. Longer slurs are being introduced, with more string crossings as well. Simple double stops and natural harmonics may be present in repertoire.
Junior
At this time, the violinist is comfortable with all the skills described for the elementary level. The violinist is mastering first and third positions, while learning second, fourth, and fifth positions. Further, vibrato is being learned, and the violinist is expressing themselves musically and through dynamics. More advanced skills such as chords, trills, and up-bow staccato may be present in repertoire.
intermediate
Now, the violinist is comfortable with all the skills described for the junior level. Currently, they can play in all five positions and have developed their vibrato. They can play all articulations and understand expressive terms. Three-octave scales are being introduced.
senior required
Currently, the violinist is comfortable with all the skills described for the intermediate level. All seven positions have been introduced, and the violinist is starting to use all of them. Double-stops, artificial harmonics, and/or natural harmonics are present in repertoire. Advanced bowing is present, such as ricochet. The violinist is learning how to individually express themselves.
virtuoso
At this time, the violinist is comfortable with all skills described for the senior level. The violinist plays in all positions. Repertoire also includes three-note chords, left-hand pizzicato, glissandi, four-note chords and harmonics. Stylistic techniques appropriate for the time period of pieces are being introduced, as well as understanding of musical structure.