Before You Begin Lessons
Dear Parents,
Congratulations on your decision to take Suzuki violin or viola lessons. This choice has the potential to greatly enrich the lives of both you and your child. Below, I will outline some of my expectations as well as offer some practical advice.
DAILY PRACTICE
You should expect to practice every single day. Dr. Suzuki said you only have to practice on the days you eat! Initially, the practice does not have to be for very long-five minutes might be enough to cover your assignment. It does, however, need to be consistent.
Practicing a small amount everyday will lead to better results than cramming a lot of time into only one or two days. Try to find a consistent practice time. Some families find that practicing in the morning works for them. It is important to find a time when your child is not tired or hungry because resentment will build if they are always asked to practice at these times.
For parents of younger children (especially below the age of seven), I like to have two to four lessons working with you alone. Your child can be present, but please bring along some toys or paper and markers to keep them occupied. During our time together, I will discuss Suzuki philosophy, tools for working with your child at home, tuning, and basic set up (bow hand and left hand). You are the home teacher, so it is extremely important for you to have a clear understanding of all of these areas.
GROUP CLASS ATTENDANCE
In addition to our work in the private lesson, there are parent orientation classes taking place during the first four group classes. Attendance is required. They will help you tremendously with your home practice. If you are unable to attend the sessions (or if you start the semester late), we will need to spend part of your lesson time reviewing the material.
Suzuki students are required to attend a weekly group class. In addition to reinforcing skills they are learning in the lesson, they learn how to play with other kids. There is also a social aspect to the group. Kids are motivated when they get a chance to play their instruments with their friends.
CD
One of the biggest responsibility for parents is making sure the CD is played everyday. When you first buy the recording, please make several copies of it. Place it wherever you have a stereo, put it on your ipod, and place it in your car. The reason for doing this is twofold. First, if you should lose your CD, you have a back-up copy. I have had many families purchase it a second time because they lost their copy. Secondly, it makes it easier to do your daily listening if you are not always hunting for the recording.
LESSONS DAYS
All cell phones should be turned off before entering the room.
Bring a notebook to your lesson. The parents’ role is to carefully observe and take notes so you can comfortably be the home teacher. Please refrain from correcting your child or talking directly to your child (unless it is an exclamation of praise!) once our lesson begins. It is difficult for a child to divide their attention among the demands from many adults. If you have questions, you can indicate this in the lesson, and I will leave a little time at the end to address your concerns.
EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT
One of the fundamental beliefs in the Suzuki method is that every child moves at their own pace. In practice, this can require lots and lots of patience. Managing anxiety (will he or she get it, why aren’t they moving faster?) is one of the biggest challenges for parents. It is important to realize that it can take some children two years or more to learn to play Twinkle. I have seen those same children develop the ability to play major concertos. We plant the seed, nurture it and eventually growth happens. We cannot see below the surface, but please have faith in the process!
REQUIRED MATERIALS
- Suzuki Book 1 and CD
- Nurtured By Love by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
- A notebook
The above materials (except for the notebook) are available for purchase at MIC. Please talk to a campus coordinator. They are also available for purchase through stores and websites, some of which are listed on this website.
Also Recommended:
Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making It Easier by Edmund Sprunger (Order from www.sharmusic.com).
FOR THE YOUNG BEGINNER
If your child is starting between the ages of 3 1/2-6, please do not rent an instrument right away. We will be working on a box violin until certain skills are in place. The box can be ordered from Shar. Here is a link to the website: http://www.sharmusic.com/Shop-Shar/Suzuki/Parent-Materials/All/Cherub-Box-Violin-and-Bow.axd
Even if your child is older, you do not need a violin for your first lesson.
INSTRUMENT RENTAL
When I indicate your child is ready to begin on an instrument, this website has listings for suggested shops under the heading “Violin and Viola Shops”. Please ask them to use Dominant strings or strings of a similar quality. On violins that are 1/16 or 1/10, Dominants may not be an option, but requesting higher quality strings will improve tone. The shops should be willing to do this without additional charges.
Please ask that they include a dust cloth, rosin, and a shoulder rest in the case. Although rosin is generally always included (it never hurts to check!), you will need to request a dust cloth. Students typically begin by using a foam shoulder rest. Some shops include one, but many do not. At Seman violins, for example, you will need to request one. It is not necessary to purchase a Kun (bar shoulder rest) or something more expensive initially. If I feel your child needs one, I will let you know in the lesson.
I would prefer that the violin is either a little small or exactly the right size. You should never have an instrument that your child will “grow into”. Instruments that are too large cause posture problems. Your child may have difficult holding it up, bowing issues, etc. If an instrument is too large, I will ask you to return it for a smaller size.
PURCHASE A TUNER
Unless you already have a trained ear from long study of an instrument, you will need to purchase a tuner. I will teach you the mechanics of tuning in the lesson. If you have a phone with apps, you will be able to download a free one. If you decide to purchase a tuner, I recommend the Intelli-IMT 301 combination tuner and metronome; I ordered mine through www.sharmusic.com (go to accessories and click on tuner/metronome combo) or call 1-800-248-SHAR. The cost is about $45.00 plus shipping. The Intelli is a great investment because you get a metronome and tuner in one device. The metronome is not something you will be using for awhile, but it will eventually be an important part of your practice sessions. If you would prefer to invest less money initially (and buy a metronome later), any tuner is fine. You should be able to find one of these for around $15-25 at either a violin or guitar shop, or through Shar.
I look forward to seeing you in your lessons!
Sincerely,
Vannia Phillips