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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.
Parental Involvement
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.
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
and Group Recitals are scheduled though out the semester. Please check the
RSMA calendar for specific dates.
Listening
Every student in RSMA 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.
Repertoire
A carefully selected
and standardized set of music is learned by all
students. This common repertoire allows students from
all over the world to play together with ease. It also
ensures that the technical challenges of each instrument
are approached in a systematic and consistent way.
Recitals
Performing is a natural part of musicianship. Students
enrolled in RSMA will perform each
semester in a supportive and nurturing environment among
their peers, parents and teachers.
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