Teeny Violini’s Mission

Teeny Violini is a mobile, music-based educational program provider that partners with early learning centers (ELC), grade schools, 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.

We aim to offer easily accessible music lessons to early learning centers and preschools, with the ultimate objective of assisting schools in boosting enrollment. This, in turn, will ensure that more children have the opportunity to benefit from and experience music education.

Our JOURNEY

Through The Years

2017

Founding Year

Teeny Violini is launched with the vision of making music education accessible and engaging for children in underserved communities. Inspired by Portia’s experiences and fueled by the spirit of Dallas, the program began as a mobile music initiative in early learning centers and preschools. In its founding year, Teeny Violini started with a team of 2 staff members delivering its very first pilot programs in Liberty City and North Miami.

2018

First Expansion

A partnership with Big Ideas Educational Services opens the door to Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Teeny Violini expands to 9 programs across 3 elementary schools and 6 early learning centers, serving hundreds of students each week. The team grows to 3 part-time staff members, balancing teaching and administration.

2019

Building Momentum

By 2019, Teeny Violini runs 12 programs in 4 elementary schools and 9 early learning centers. The organization now consistently employs 4 staff members and establishes its reputation for high-quality, engaging programming in both school-day and after-school settings.

2020

Adapting Through

COVID-19

When the pandemic shuts down schools, Teeny Violini faces its toughest year yet. The team is reduced to Portia alone, who transitions all lessons to virtual platforms.

Despite being a one-person operation, she keeps children engaged in music during a time of isolation, ensuring families still have access to joyful, creative learning. This resilience keeps Teeny Violini alive through the crisis.

2021

Rebuilding

& First Grant

As schools reopen, Teeny Violini begins to rebuild, expanding back to a small team of 2–3 staff members. That same year, the organization secures its first grant, enabling free music programs in one early learning center, Sheyes of Miami and Big Ideas programming resumes to in person music classes. This milestone marks the transition from survival to renewed growth.

2022

Fueling Growth

Through Support

Thanks to generous contributions from the Miami Foundation and Dan Lewis, Teeny Violini strengthens its operational stability and expands programs further. With funding in place, the team increases teaching hours and reaches more students across Miami-Dade.

2023-2024

Years of Growth and Scaling Impact

Between 2023 and 2024, Teeny Violini expanded to 21 program sites, including 10 Early Learning Centers and Preschools and 11 Afterschool and Community Programs, while also launching three summer programs. More than seven sites received programming at no cost, ensuring equitable access to music education. With a team of six part-time staff members, Teeny Violini served over 800 students annually during this period. By 2024, the organization’s reach grew to more than 1,000 students, supported by the establishment of its first community hub in Coral Gables. To sustain this growth, the team expanded to over ten staff members, including a dedicated Program Manager to oversee the broadening scope of operations across Miami-Dade.

Today

Merging for Greater Impact

Teeny Violini merges with the New Canon Chamber Collective, expanding services into Broward County while continuing to scale across Miami-Dade. With a team of 12+ staff, the merged organization delivers music education to 1,200+ students annually while amplifying the voices of Black and Brown composers and building a sustainable, community-driven future.

Community Partnerships

Introducing our cherished community partnerships! Each collaboration has fueled our incredible journey, enriching Teeny Violini and touching countless lives, one child at a time. Together, we are crafting a brighter, more harmonious future, every day.

Recent Events

Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival

We had such a great time at the Miami Gardens Youth Music Festival! There were amazing performances, incredible talent, and it was lots of fun sharing our love for music with others. We can’t wait for next time!

South Dade Music Expansion

Teeny Violini will be expanding into the South Dade region! Thanks to the wonderful partnership with the Arts Access Alliance that has funded this project to provide more children with access to high-quality music education.

Key Biscayne Women's Giving Circle

We are immensely grateful to the Key Biscayne Women’s Giving Circle for this generous grant support! Thank you for helping us create a brighter future through the power of music!