Helpful details for beginning families
Suzuki method
Shinichi Suzuki, a violinist in Japan in the 20th century, discovered that children learn more from their environment than merely that which they are "taught." They pick up an accent or style of walking by observing their parents subconsciously. He created recordings of a carefully chosen repertoire of pieces, which the families of students listen to everyday, so that they can develop an ear for melody, harmony, good tone, and the resonant sound of an in-tune violin. Suzuki called this the "Mother Tongue Method.” American Suzuki teachers go through a comprehensive training by master teachers, who have already demonstrated high levels of success in their own teaching, but there is no official certification. I have been involved with Suzuki method since my early childhood, and I believe it's the best method for teaching musical awareness and developing very good instrumental technique, one small step at a time. You may find more information at the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Read my profile to learn more about me.
Learning by Ear
I recommend that families begin listening to the Suzuki Violin Volume 1 recording as soon as they know they'll be taking lessons**. I don't have a preference which vendor you go to, as long as it is the "revised edition.” You may wish to download the mp3, or at least make a copy of the CD for multiple options of listening. We play everything by ear until posture and technique are well-established and second-nature, which is a few years for most students. During that time they also develop a natural sense for learning new music, and will learn and memorize many beautiful pieces. I do believe it's important for students to learn note-reading as well, but I don't want to distract them from all the skills it takes to make a beautiful sound and learn to listen carefully to the music they are making. I introduce note-reading after certain check-points in the student's development. **I do expect parents to be the ones who remember to play the recording at home, and/or in the car, at least some time every day. It should be like background music, unless you are seeking specific answers about the notes.
Parents
One parent, the same parent every week, accompanies the student to lesson to help establish a knowledgeable attitude for encouraging useful practice at home. Many students begin at a young age, and this relationship between student and parent can be challenging and rewarding. Parents help young students keep track of weekly lesson assignments, follow each exercise as the teacher described it, and encourage their children with loving praise at each successful step of the way. As students enter the teen years, I begin training them to take notes for themselves, and develop their own practice plan. Students must practice every day in order to master each skill along their path, and it helps to have an understanding parent at home! Parents and students should bring a notebook to every lesson, so you can take notes (as if attending a university lecture) and you both can refer to them at home to guide the practice session.
Many parents find it helpful and satisfying to study alongside their child. I recommend that parents at least rent a violin for the first 6 months of their child’s study. Violin often looks easy to play, but there are certainly many small details to keep track of at once to have a successful beautiful sound. When parents can get the feeling of the bow and the violin in their own hands and arms, they have a more tangible way of helping their children as the home practice coach.
Instrument rental
I recently met with David Baker of Baker Violin Shop in Dummerston. He has a good selection of violins for rental, and he can help you choose a good size for your child. If the size seems a borderline fit, I recommend you go with the smaller size. It will be easier while they develop stamina and learn their way around the instrument.
Schedule
Lessons are once per week according to a set schedule, and group classes on alternate weeks. Recital at or near the end of each season.
Lessons are 30 minutes for beginners, for student and parent together. Parents take notes during lessons for reference during daily practice at home. Practice and listen to the recordings every day.
Teens and adult students may take 45 or 60 minute weekly or bi-weekly lessons.
In the Group classes, we focus on playing together with good ensemble skills and awareness, and students also have a chance to practice performing for each other as a way to become accustomed to the feeling of performance.
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