About Us
What We Do
Teeny Violini is a mobile, music-based educational program provider that partners with early learning centers (ELC), preschools, and after-school programs. Our desire is to build a strong foundation for a lifetime love of learning music, one child at a time. We use the power and joy of creative music-making to help children learn and grow more confident.
Through music, we reinforce and enhance the learning of basic social, emotional, cognitive, and physical concepts. Skills like literacy, math, movement, dexterity, kindness, self-awareness, and confidence are also developed through our program while students develop skills in learning to play an instrument. We understand that making music engaging and creative is essential to learning and development for children.
We offer easily accessible music lessons to early learning centers and preschools, with the ultimate objective of assisting schools in boosting enrollment. To ensure inclusivity, we provide free to low-cost music education, catering to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Advantages of Including
Teeny Violini to Your School
Our curriculum design is based on the national music educational standards for students from preschool to grades K–12 and supported by research data from some of the leading researchers in music education, like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Music Educators Association (NMEA), Americans for the Arts (AFTA), and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, among others. In addition, Teeny Violini incorporates the Colorful Violin method which utilizes color-coded violin strings to make learning more accessible and engaging for young students. Each color represents a specific note, making it easier for children to understand and remember musical concepts. These curricula provide standards, goals, and learning sequences for essential skills and knowledge in string programs K–12 and general music education for early learners.
Meet The Team
PORTIA DUNKLEY, M.A.
FOUNDER AND CEO / MUSIC EDUCATOR
Portia Dunkley has worked in string education for over 16 years throughout the state of Florida. As a graduate of Florida State University, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in double bass performance and her master of arts degree in arts administration. Before founding Teeny Violini, Portia worked as an arts administrator in the Liberty City community, facilitating programming and developing community partners.
KATHERINE MENENDEZ
Strategic Partnership Manager
Katherine Menendez was born in Havana, Cuba, and currently resides in Miami, Florida. She is a university student at Florida International University (FIU), pursuing her Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She is responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships, developing strategic initiatives, and coordinating partnership activities. She works closely with community leaders and organizations to expand Teeny Violini's reach and impact.
LUIZA MARANGONI, M.S.
Artistic Programs and HR Manager
Luiza is the Artistic Programs and HR Manager at Teeny Violini, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. She holds a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In her role, Luiza oversees the overall artistic programming and manages recruitment programs, including hiring, selection, and onboarding procedures. Additionally, she is responsible for employee relations, performance management, and professional development initiatives, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization.
PORTIA DUNKLEY, M.A.
FOUNDER AND CEO / MUSIC EDUCATOR
Portia Dunkley has worked in string education for over 16 years throughout the state of Florida. As a graduate of Florida State University, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in double bass performance and her master of arts degree in arts administration. Before founding Teeny Violini, Portia worked as an arts administrator in the Liberty City community, facilitating programming and developing community partners.
KATHERINE MENENDEZ
Strategic Partnership Manager
Katherine Menendez was born in Havana, Cuba, and currently resides in Miami, Florida. She is a university student at Florida International University (FIU), pursuing her Master's in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She is responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships, developing strategic initiatives, and coordinating partnership activities. She works closely with community leaders and organizations to expand Teeny Violini's reach and impact.
LUIZA MARANGONI, M.S.
Artistic Programs and HR Manager
Luiza is the Artistic Programs and HR Manager at Teeny Violini, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil. She holds a Master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. In her role, Luiza oversees the overall artistic programming and manages recruitment programs, including hiring, selection, and onboarding procedures. Additionally, she is responsible for employee relations, performance management, and professional development initiatives, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization.
Lead Teaching Artists
Asahni Dawkins
Lead Teaching Artist
Asahni Dawkins was born in New Rochelle, New York. Asahni is a pianist, composer, and bandleader. He received his education at Florida State University with a Bachelor’s in music and continues to educate himself on various musical genres. Asahni currently plays for the “Irie Vibes Trio” and the New Orleans style band “Soul of Brass”. He also works with other musicians on a variety of projects as well as studio work.
Teaching Artists
Daniela Ferreira Amaro
Teaching Artist
Daniela Ferreira Amaro is a vocalist and composer, with a background in music education and performance spanning over 9 years. An alumni of the National YoungArts program in Jazz Voice, Dani utilizes musical improvisation in interdisciplinary works and as a vehicle for learning. Rooted in Brazilian and Cuban heritage, they infuse storytelling and folklore into their practice. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Dani aims to highlight intergenerational healing within their communities, fostering communal catharsis.
Fernando Ferrarone
Teaching Artist
Fernando Ferrarone, born in Miami, Florida, is a multi-instrumentalist, educator, and bandleader with over a decade of professional experience. He studied at Berklee College of Music and has since built a career performing and teaching. Fernando currently plays in groups such as his own ensemble, Kidbrass, and Johnny Burgos and the Butter. In addition to performing, he is focused on recording and producing his own music while collaborating with other artists.
Clyde Lee
Teaching Artist
Clyde Lee is a violinist and violist born in South Korea with a passion and background in classical music. Clyde has experience in coaching young string players in summer camps, preparatory programs and chamber music groups, believing in accessibility and patience in teaching music at the youth level and encouraging creative expression no matter the age or skill level. Clyde is currently working on his own projects and focusing on his journey in continuing music.
Priscille Michel
Teaching Artist
Priscille Michel began her musical journey at four, studying violin with Romel Joseph and piano with John Arguello. At thirteen, she took up viola under Roseline Lang, becoming the first violist for the South Florida Youth Symphony. She later studied at the New World School of the Arts and taught for SFYS and Miami Music Project. Having performed across Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean, Michel now freelances in Indianapolis and South Florida and studies at Temple University with Kerri Ryan.
Junior Kafi
Teaching Artist
Junior Kafi was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. When he was in his early 20s, he moved to Rwanda to pursue a career in producing music and performing on the keyboard, playing at events, big music festivals and teaching private lessons. In his late 30s, Junior moved to the US with his wife. Junior loves learning new things, performing and creating music. In his spare time, he enjoys evening walks by the ocean. Junior joined Teeny Violini to share his enthusiasm for music with the children around him.
Ricardo Pineda
Teaching Artist
Ricardo “Ricky” Pineda, born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, moved to the United States at the age of eight. A self-taught musician with a passion for music and photography, he brings creativity and dedication to his work. Ricky is especially enthusiastic about teaching at Teeny Violini, seeing it as an opportunity to enhance his skills as a music teacher and deepen his understanding of music. Through this role, he hopes to make a meaningful impact on young learners.
Contact Us!
Get in touch with us for rates and a free music session demo.
ABOUT US
Teeny Violini is a mobile, music-based educational program provider that works with Early Learning centers (ELC), grade schools and afterschool programs.
Miami, FL
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