Peggyâs Violin, A Butterfly In Time

Peggy’s Violin: A Butterfly in Time tells the fascinating true story of the life of Peggy Hills’ little Giovanni Grancino violin from its “birthplace� 300 years ago in Milan, Italy to present day. The journey of the “little butterfly� violin features music by composers such as Bach, Vivaldi, Haydn, Brahms, Tchaikovsky and Mozart.

This story is about Peggy’s violin, which is very dear to hear and goes everywhere with her. A lot of this story is true and Peggy has recounted parts of it to her students countless times over the 40 years she has taught violin. Inspired by the success of some of her students, particularly Adrian Anantawan, who plays the violin brilliantly with only one hand -- Peggy decided to share her "little butterfly" violin story with a much broader audience and, in the process, inspire more young people to play a musical instrument, perhaps even the violin. It is remarkable that a violin could be as vibrant and vital today as it was when it was first made. When you think about how our world has changed and all that has happened over the past three centuries, it is amazing that this little violin is still here to tell its tale. Peggy Hills’ mission is to create shows and performance products that are not only easy listening, but that will also initiate a love and keen interest in music that can last a lifetime.

Running time approx. 44 minutes
Recommended ages 4 and up
CD, $16.98

Click to Hear Sample


Teacher’s Guide with full length CD bundled together

Ideal for the music specialist, general classroom teacher or homeschooler, Teacher’s Guides provide a step-by-step strategy for incorporating classical music across all areas of the curriculum. It’s as easy as open, play and learn; teachers can customize learning based on their own area of expertise, interests and desired program outcomes.

Concert Theatre for Kids recordings can be used for Kindergarten through 9th grade, but are most suitable for Grades K through 6. Activities are ranked according to grade level.

Beyond the arts, there are curriculum connections in other areas. The Language and Oral Arts elements of Communication and Storytelling are applicable for all grades. Numerous connections from Social Studies areas for Grades 2-5 are evident with a focus on distinct cultures, travel modes, past and present, references to people from Europe, the USA and Canada.

CD with Teacher’s Guide, $32.98

Click to Hear Sample #2