THE SUZUKI PROGRAM

Parents are an essential part of the Suzuki approach. Along with the child, parents learn the basics of playing the instrument. One parent takes on the role of home teacher and is responsible for guiding the child through repetitions of skills learned in class. In addition, the home teacher guides the child through the required listening process. For these reasons, a parent must attend all lessons and classes.

The Suzuki approach emphasizes the teaching of character and discipline as well as music skills. Students begin each lesson with the customary bow and set up routine. Because skill development and practice habits are taught in small repeated steps, Suzuki students tend to be good in academics, sports, dance and whatever they chose to pursue later in life.

Individual Lessons

Individual lessons involve student, parent and teacher. There are 17 lessons per semester. Typically, each lesson is scheduled for 30 minutes. However, the length of the lesson may vary each week according to each child’s preparation, attention and needs. Parents are present for the individual lesson and take notes to use while guiding daily practice. Some lessons may involve the parent only to introduce specific instructional techniques and practice strategies, or for parent/teacher conferences about student progress. Lessons are individual as opposed to private. Students and parents are encouraged to attend the lessons of others as another opportunity to learn.

Group Class   Group classes involve students at the same skill level – not necessarily of the same age – and the teacher. The class provides an opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, preview skills required in the program and review the repertoire. There are 6 group classes per semester. Additional Play-Ins are scheduled though out the semester. Please check the RMA calendar for specific dates.

Listening

Every student in The Suzuki Program is required to listen to the accompanying reference CD daily. By listening repetitively to the pieces in their chosen instrument’s repertoire, young children naturally begin to imitate what they hear. This is true of language acquisition, as well. Failing to listen daily will prevent the child from progressing at an appropriate rate. In addition, the teacher will guide the student and parent in choosing other pieces from the classical repertoire to listen to each week.

Recitals

Performing is a natural part of musicianship. Students enrolled in The Suzuki Program will perform each semester in a supportive and nurturing environment among their peers, parents and teachers.

Materials

All Suzuki related materials and theory books are provided as part of student tuition., including the Suzuki parenting book To Learn with Love. Parents should plan to read this book prior to the first lesson.

Violin and cello students must have an acceptable instrument for the first lesson. Violin, viola and cello students must have an acceptable instrument for the first lesson. Please ask the RMA staff for more information on instrument rental. Piano students must have an acoustic piano at home. Electric keyboards are an entirely different instrument and inappropriate for Suzuki piano studies.