Core Program: The Suzuki Approach

Ages 5-12

Each student in the core program will receive weekly INDIVIDUAL and GROUP lessons. Individual lessons are 30-45 minutes, determined by age and repertoire.

In the first stage of violin lessons for a beginner student, the individual lesson will be split between the parent and child. The child will learn posture on a box violin, master rhythm exercises, and learn how to care for the instrument. The student will work to develop a relaxed and controlled bowhold, violin posture, and finger dexterity.  The parent and child will establish a consistent practice routine including posture, singing, rhythm, and listening. The parent will learn the basic mechanics of the instrument to assist in home practice.

At the next stages, the focus in lessons is almost entirely on the student, and the parent is coached on practice techniques along with the child. The parent is the lesson observer/ note taker and the home teacher.

The group lesson incorporates all of the violin skills and repertoire the student masters at home and in lessons, and also includes skills such as ensemble playing, playing with an accompanist, harmony, theory, ear training, and audience etiquette. The class is an opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, polish pieces for performance, review repertoire in a "strength-in-numbers" environment, and learn from peers.

Additionally, all students will have several opportunities to perform throughout the year, both as soloists and in groups.