Elma Doflein was a German violin pedagogue best known for her collaboration with her husband, Erich Doflein, in developing one of the most influential violin teaching methods of the 20th century. Together they created Das Geigen-Schulwerk (The Doflein Method), a carefully structured and musically rich violin course that integrates technical development with early exposure to ensemble playing and stylistically diverse repertoire. Their approach moved beyond mechanical exercises, emphasizing musical understanding, historical awareness, and the joy of making music from the very beginning of study.
Elma Doflein’s contribution to violin pedagogy lies in her commitment to progressive learning and high-quality repertoire for young players. The Doflein method remains widely respected for its pedagogical clarity, graded structure, and inclusion of folk songs, Baroque pieces, and original compositions that nurture both technique and artistry. Today, her legacy continues to shape violin education worldwide, making works associated with the Doflein name a trusted choice for teachers and students seeking a comprehensive and musically engaging foundation.
The Doflein Method Volume 1: The Beginning is a structured beginner course combining violin technique, music theory, and duet playing in a musically engaging format.
Key features
• Integrates theory with practical violin study
• Wide stylistic range of duets and rounds
• Early harmonic and ensemble training
• Introduces string crossing and simple double stops
• Encourages rhythmic and creative musical development
The Doflein Method Volume II: The Violinist's Progress by Erich Doflein and Elma Doflein develops technique through structured work in fingering and bowing.
Key features
• Chapter-by-chapter focus on specific technical problems
• Builds precision and tonal control
• Continues the use of ensemble duets
• Bridges elementary and intermediate violin study
The Doflein Method Volume III: The Second and Third Positions develops confident shifting into second and third positions through musically engaging studies and duets.
Key features
• Structured training in positional shifting
• Introduces trills, harmonics, and half position
• Reinforces minor tonalities
• Combines technique with ensemble practice
The Doflein Method Volume IV: Further Techniques in Bowing and Fingering refines bowing and fingering skills—primarily in first position—while integrating theory and duet practice.
Key features
• Focused refinement of bow control
• Greater fingering precision and coordination
• Musical application through duets
• Strengthens technical fluency before higher positions
The Doflein Method Volume V: The Higher Positions by Erich Doflein and Elma Doflein develops confident mastery of the 4th–10th positions within a musical and ensemble-focused framework.
Key features
• Systematic training in higher positions
• Integrates shifting and fingerboard coordination
• Includes duets and short performance pieces
• Final advanced stage of the Doflein Method series
