Studio Overview

Acceptance

Expectations

Group Classes and Recitals

Musical Participation Outside the Studio

Literature Used

Philosophy

Much like Dr. Suzuki, I firmly believe that any child, regardless of natural ability, is able to learn the violin or viola within the framework of nurturing support, open communication, active parental participation, patience, and steady efforts toward progress.

When working with children of all ages, it is essential to approach each student as an individual, with individual strengths and weaknesses, each possessing a unique personality. I strive to develop a trusting and nurturing relationship with students and parents, while still maintaining high expectations, tailored explicitly to what each child is able to accomplish at any given time. Constant support, reassurance, and high praise when it is earned, combine to encourage students to seek further advancement despite the innate challenges in learning to master the violin.

"The sweetest of all sound is praise."  - Xenophon

Members of my studio find that there is no set time frame for achieving certain milestones within the Modified Suzuki Method. It is wise to note, however, that these milestones (completing Book One, for example) are associated with an average period of time for completion, based on the accumulated wealth of teachers' experience throughout the decades of Suzuki instruction in this country.  If a student is moving at a noticeably slower pace, it is important for all three parties involved (teacher, student, and parents) to closely analyze the many aspects of violin study to determine if an important element is being overlooked. In circumstances like these, nine times out of ten, something within the overall process can be done to increase the child's rate of progress without sacrificing the quality of achievement. It naturally follows that a student's sense of success will always increase his or her enjoyment of the experience.

In addition to individual attention, I find it crucial to foster a sense of community within the studio. When a new student joins the studio, the student and his or her family will quickly come to find themselves included in a number of ways ranging from group class participation to recital participation, along with other studio activities such as attending local performances in small groups. Having a connection with peers of a similar ability and focus level helps to maintain momentum and promotes a sense of mutual support among students. Parents too, benefit from this community in sharing ideas for creative practicing techniques, sharing their family's experience with various musical organizations, or just trading anecdotes back and forth in recognition of the frustrations and amazing successes their children experience while studying the violin. 

All in all, studying the violin or viola is about facing individual challenges and overcoming them with positive attention and feedback, honest evaluation, unending family-wide support, and of course, hard work. With these elements, learning to play the violin can be eminently rewarding and satisfying, not only in the present, but also in the future as a life-long lover of music.


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