Suzuki Violin and Cello

Suzuki Violin and Cello | The Beginners Guitar Course
Chamber Music | Music Theory for Adults | Policies
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WELCOME to Suzuki Strings at USC!



We invite all interested families to come observe our Saturday morning group classes
and attend our free concerts!

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"The reward for dedicated effort is the joy of shared achievement, and the fulfilling experience of beautiful music making" Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

Music Stores/ Rental /Purchase

Suzuki Enrollment Application Forms

Cello Enrollment Form-Fall
Violin Enrollment Form-Fall

Cello Enrollment Form-Spring
Violin Enrollment Form-Spring

Before enrolling your child in the Suzuki Strings program, please contact the director,
Dr. Rebecca Hunter at rhunter@mozart.sc.edu or (803) 777-6006
so that she can put you in contact with your private teacher.
Thank you!

Suzuki Financial Aid Application Form

The Suzuki Method: background

In the mid 1960s, inspired by the way children learn their native language, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) revolutionized the way music is taught to children. Contrary to traditional thought, Suzuki believed that talent had more to do with environment rather than genetics, that since all children have the potential and ability to learn, all children have the potential to achieve great talent and ability.

"We are not born with a high potential, and if we try hard we can all become superior human beings and acquire talent and ability." (Dr. Suzuki)

While studying in Berlin, Suzuki noted how easily the German children picked up their native language. He began thinking of children all over the world, and how they learn to speak their mother tongue without difficulty, regardless of how complicated their language might be. All children learn to speak by listening and imitating their parents. Children whose efforts are met with praise and encouragement at every step often progress more quickly. This enables very young children to develop a large vocabulary with very little effort. Through this realization Suzuki began to see children's incredible potential for learning. Adapting the "mother tongue" principles, Suzuki developed a method he titled "Talent Education." We often refer to it as the Suzuki Method. Suzuki believed that hearing and playing great music would help children become good people with beautiful, peaceful hearts. Dr. Suzuki hoped that these children would help bring peace and understanding to the world.

Principles of the Suzuki Method:

As parents are involved when children learn to speak, they are also very involved in the musical learning of their child. The key concept of the Suzuki Method is the Suzuki Triangle. The teacher and the parent create the foundation of the triangle; together, they work to create a positive and successful experience for the child. The respect and commitment between the teacher and parent is vital for the child's success.

Listening: The Suzuki method develops a child's ear and technique before involving note reading, therefore daily listening of their pieces is very important. Surrounding your child with music will help them become knowledgeable of good tone (sound) and musicianship.

Step-by-Step Theory: Skills are broken down into small segments easily mastered by the student. Each step is securely learned before moving on, as old skills are used as building blocks for new skills. Met with encouragement and positive reinforcement, the child feels success at every step. This fosters their confidence and pride. There is no timeline, since each child is an individual and treated as such, each child will successfully progress at his/her own pace.

Repetition: Skills are mastered through creative repetition, positive encouragement and daily practice.

Environment: It is important to create a positive and nurturing environment, both in lessons and at home. As in learning language, children will flourish if they are met with positive encouragement and praise at every step.

Suzuki students have both a weekly private lesson and group classes.

• PRIVATE LESSONS - Individual instruction, scheduled by the parent and the individual teacher.
  Policies and Procedures

Parents are required to attend the weekly private lessons as they are considered the "home teacher." They are responsible for guiding the student's daily practice, and reinforcing the concepts and exercises assigned by the teacher. During the lesson, the parent is expected to quietly take notes to insure they fully understand the teacher's assignments.

• GROUP CLASSES - Students play together. CMS group classes for all Suzuki students will happen on Saturday mornings in the String Project Building:
  851 Park Street Columbia, SC 29208
  Policies and Procedures

• Group classes provide students with the opportunity to create music with their peers. The purpose of group classes is to motivate and inspire the children - the younger students look up to the older students for inspiration, and the older students have a chance to work on their leadership skills and ensemble playing. Group class teachers work on common skills through games and exercises.
  
  
  
  UPCOMMING CONCERTS: (Free and open to the public. All are welcome!)
  
  
• Saturday February 18, 11:00am -- Strings and Stories
  St. Andrew's Reginal Branch Library
  2916 Broad River Road, Columbia SC
  
  
• Friday April 13, 2012, 6:30 -- Heifetz Tour Group Concert **
  Ithaca Talent Education is a well-established Suzuki school in Ithaca New York. Their violin tour group, Heifetz, will be performing a free concert at the First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Friday, April 13, 2012 at 6:30. They are a wonderful and highly skilled group of middle and high school violinists. We encourage everyone (adults and children) to come out and enjoy their performance!
  1324 Marion Street, Columbia SC
  
  
• Saturday May 12, 2012, 9 - 12pm -- Spring Solo Concert
  USC School of Music, Recital Hall
  813 Assembly St, Columbia SC
  
  
  
  
  

The ultimate goal of the Suzuki Method is not to create excellent violinists, but as Dr. Suzuki said "create beautiful human beings." Children who go though the Suzuki Method not only learn the value of dedication and patience, but also acquire confidence and strong self-esteem.

We welcome new families and would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:

Dr. Rebecca Hunter - Director
rhunter@mozart.sc.edu
(803) 777 - 6006

Sarah Jackson - Cello Coordinator
sjackson@mozart.sc.edu
(803) 777-5350

For more information about the Suzuki Method, please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas' website. http://suzukiassociation.org

http://suzukiassociation.org/teachers/twinkler/

Suggested reading material about the Suzuki Method:

Nurtured by Love, by Shinichi Suzuki
Ability Development from Age Zero, by Shinichi Suzuki
Helping Parents Practice, by Edmund Sprunger
Teaching from the Balance Point, by Edmund Kreitman

These books can be purchased at one of the stores listed under
Music Stores/ Rental /Purchase