Then
Founded to bring high-caliber music education to early childhood centers where resources were scarce.
Who we are
COMMUNITY MUSIC ORGANIZATION & AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
A community music organization bringing high-quality early childhood and afterschool music programs to the places children learn and grow.
Why Teeny exists
Our story
Despite overwhelming support from research and countless testimonials all over the world, schools and educational programs have faced drastic cuts in funding for music and other arts programs.
Our goal is to be a one-stop shop and collaborative partner for schools and community centers, providing a high-quality, affordable and engaging music program led by specialized teaching artists.
Today Teeny Violini operates 75+ classes every week across 30 partner sites in Miami-Dade and Broward County, impacting more than 1,500 students a year.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
A belief in the rhythm inside every child.
Portia Dunkley founded Teeny Violini with a simple but powerful belief: every child carries an inner rhythm, creativity, and voice that deserve to be nurtured.
A double bassist, music educator, and arts leader, Portia has spent over 16 years expanding access to string music across South Florida. Her work in Miami's Liberty City inspired a community approach—bringing instruments and specialized teaching artists directly to where children already learn and grow.
In 2021, she co-founded New Canon Chamber Collective to create professional performance and equitable pay opportunities for local musicians—closing the same access gap for adults that Teeny Violini bridges for children.
OUR TRAJECTORY
FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS TO COMMUNITY-WIDE IMPACT
- Now
30 partner sites, 75+ weekly sessions, and 1,500+ children learning through specialized teaching artists.
- Next
10 schools on our waiting list, ready to launch with dedicated community support.
Our organizational home
From the classroom to the concert hall
Teeny Violini is a program of New Canon Chamber Collective. One organization: music begins in the classroom and grows all the way to the concert hall.
The classroom
Teeny Violini
Empowering young minds with real instruments, rich musical experiences, and the tools to see their future in music
See our programs
The concert hall
New Canon Chamber Collective
Championing inclusive classical music through world-class South Florida concerts and equitable pay for local musicians.
Visit New Canon