Suzuki String Program
Fall 2012 - Spring/Summer 2013
I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.
—Shin’ichi Suzuki
The History
The Suzuki method grew out of the teachings and ideas of Shin’ichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist who lived during the 20th century and began teaching young children violin following WWII. In the wake of the destruction in Japan following the war, Suzuki wanted to find a way to introduce beauty into children’s lives. Music was his vehicle.
Over the second half of the 20th century, Suzuki’s philosophy and the musical pieces he used in his teaching developed into what is known today as the Suzuki method. The Suzuki method refers to both the philosophy and the 10 books of collected pieces for violin instruction, which have been adapted beyond violin to include instruction on most musical instruments.
The Philosophy
At its core, the Suzuki method is a philosophy of music instruction which aims to help students develop into both great musicians and great people. Immersed in a positive and nurturing musical environment, children will learn to play a musical instrument with relative ease, maintaining the joy of music through the difficulties and discipline required to master an instrument. Just as children are able to learn to speak their mother tongue through listening, repeating, and gradually adding sounds and words together to express their thoughts, children will also learn to play music through the same gradual steps. Just as children learn to speak before learning to read, Suzuki children learn to play their instrument before learning to read music.
In Practice
The role of the parent (one or both) is an essential part of Suzuki instruction. Suzuki parents have the opportunity to develop a unique working relationship with their children; by attending weekly lessons and practicing with your child at home, you are part of their musical, personal, and cognitive development in a way that is unusual in today’s fast-paced world.
Weekly group lessons give Suzuki children the opportunity to be part of a musical community and learn from watching and playing with their peers. Studies support that students are much more likely to continue instrumental study through the teen-age years when they are playing music with a group. While school and community orchestras fill this role in middle and high school, in elementary school it is hard to find opportunities for students to play music in groups. Suzuki instruction provides this social element from the beginning.
As parents research what music instruction will work best for their child and family, it’s important to keep in mind that musicians, music educators, and parents may have very different understandings of what the “Suzuki method” is. Finding a well-trained teacher with whom you and your child feel comfortable should be your priority. In addition, the guidelines listed below are designed to help you decide if Suzuki instruction is a good fit for your child and family.
Suzuki instruction works best when:
- A child is beginning music lessons at age 3-6 years old,
- The same parent or guardian can both attend the weekly lessons AND practice with the child at home the other six days of the week,
- The family can attend a weekly group lesson in addition to the weekly private lesson,
- The child’s family can commit to listening to music recordings regularly, including the Suzuki CD’s as well as other great music suggested by the instructor, and attending live concerts whenever possible.
Rowan Prep is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Devereux as our Suzuki String Coordinator. Check out her blog, SoundStringS.wordpress.com
Suzuki String Semester Tuition:
- 30-minute private lesson per week (15 weeks), and 45-minute group lesson per week (12 weeks): $670 NO REGISTRATION FEE
- 45-minute private lesson per week (15 weeks) and 45-minute group lesson per week (12 weeks): $850 NO REGISTRATION FEE
- 60-minute private lesson per week (15 weeks) and 45-minute group lesson per week (12 weeks): $1025 NO REGISTRATION FEE
Tuition will be pro-rated based on your date of your private lesson/group lesson.
Group Lesson options:
OPTION 1:
Group class with Miss Lizzie Devereux:
Saturdays: 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. (Ms. Devereux) Bk 2
(12 weeks; first day of class: Saturday, September 22)
OPTION 2:
String Ensemble - (audition/recommendations required)
Director: Elizabeth Cary
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
First meeting day of String Ensemble: Wednesday, September 19,2012
Cost: fall semester (based on 10 weeks): $210
Cost: spring semester (based on 12 weeks): $240
Audition required (unless enrolled in Rowan Prep Suzuki program)
This ensemble is offered to highly motivated string players, ages 8-13, who want to study & perform chamber music in depth, develop ensemble skills, and practice sight-reading. There will be performance opportunities at recitals and community events throughout the year. The ensemble will meet weekly in the Wilson Building (Room 208) at Rowan University on Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.
There are two ways to be a part of this exciting ensemble. If your child is currently enrolled in Suzuki lessons at Rowan Prep, tuition is included with the Suzuki Package. (The String Ensemble will replace the Suzuki Group II class for those students who are currently enrolled in Suzuki lessons.) If your child is not currently taking Suzuki lessons at Rowan Prep, an interview will be set up by Elizabeth Cary, director of this ensemble. For this placement interview, please call the Rowan Prep main office, 856.256.4554/6. Once confirmed by Ms. Cary, families can register for the String Ensemble at the first ensemble meeting.
Tuition for fall, 2012, beginning Wednesday, September 19, will be based on a
10-week-session, $210. Tuition will be pro-rated based on your date of joining
the ensemble.
