Teeny Violini

About us

What We Do

Teeny Violini is a mobile, music-based educational program provider that works with early learning centers (ELC), grade schools, and afterschool 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 in becoming their best selves by teaching them how to play stringed instruments.

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. Through music, we reinforce and enhance the learning of basic social, emotional, cognitive, and physical concepts. Also, 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 young people.

Curriculum

Teeny Violini uses a combination of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) curriculum and our own Colorful Violin curriculum. Both curricula provide standards, goals, and learning sequences for essential skills and knowledge in string programs K–12 and general music education for early learners.

Portia Dunkley

Owner / 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.  
“I believe that we are all connected through music and that every child has been blessed with an internal rhythm and creativity that is unique to their personality and connects them to others. It is our responsibility as educators to create a nurturing environment that helps guide and cultivate the expression of their inner rhythm by providing a high-quality, fun, and engaging experience with all types of musical forms. I believe that music education can be both structured and spontaneous, guided and free, colorful, emotional, and transformational—all at the same time.”
– Portia Dunkley
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Meet Our Instructors

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Kyelle Leonard

Instructor

Kyelle Leonard is a college-student studying Music Performance and Theory. She has been singing all her life, and professionally for the past ten years. Her gift of acting, music and singing landed her roles at the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre; and she has been training others to hone their acting and vocal skills for the past five years. She attended Miami Arts Charter where she was trained and participated in the vocal jazz ensemble, choir, and pop ensemble. She is currently working on her debut musical album, where she is producing, writing and arranging all her music. 

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Edwin Derico Jr.

Instructor

Edwin Derico Jr. is a music educator out of Deerfield Beach, Florida. Mr. Derico studied music at the illustrious Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. While his main instrument is the drums, “Mr. D” has learned the art of music production, songwriting, sound engineering, rapping, and singing. Mr. Derico performs within a band named E.L.E.M.E.N.T.S. Epically, Levitating, Every, Minds, Eye, Neatly, Though, Sound. They are based out of Miami, FL. and all four members are music educators. Mr. Derico seeks to expand the minds of the youth with a positive influence through teaching music and basic life skills. Mr. Derico’s most influential quote is “A pond with no drain stinks”.

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Yamila Ayala

Instructor

Born and raised in Miami FL, Yamila Ayala (“Yami Ayala”) is a rising musician/educator who’s long-term goals are to be a well respected and well known Professional Musician/Educator/Therapist. With an emphasis in Early Childhood Music Education.

Yamila is proficient in Jazz Voice, Piano, Clarinet, Flute, and Saxophone. Also performing regularly with the three part harmony group “The Rhythm Chicks” all around South Florida. Through her music, she is able to share her love for life and the people in it. Yamila places a special emphasis on loving one another and uses music to enrich mind, body and soul.

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Asahni Dawkins

Instructor

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.