Suzuki Trained Instructors
Our Suzuki Program for ages 6 and under is taught by Suzuki Association trained instructors and is available for students age 4 and up. We are located in Norman, and serve students from all over the Oklahoma City area, including Moore, Midwest City, and Edmond. Weekly private violin, viola, or cello lessons, weekly group classes, and instruction for parents of beginning students are all included in the tuition.
Parent Education
Parents of our youngest beginning Suzuki students (ages 6 and under) will participate in a parent education program. The “practice parent” will learn how to play the first song. This will teach them the basics and will help them learn how to practice with their child. In addition, it motivates the child to see Mom or Dad play. Some parents like playing so much that they choose to enroll in their own private lessons once this semester is over!
Parent and Child
The parent and child will practice together daily. The parent will act as the “home teacher.” This commitment to daily time with the instrument is the most important thing that the parent can do for the child to be successful.
Observation
Students are encouraged to observe other student’s lessons and group classes as much as possible before getting started with violin lessons. Children learn a lot even when it seems that they are not paying attention. Once they have started their own lessons, they are still encouraged to come a little early to watch the lesson before theirs. Please come in quietly. If your child becomes restless it is a good idea to leave.
Nurtured by Love
It is has been a tradition for many years for new parents to read the short book “Nurtured by Love” (by Shinichi Suzuki ) as an introduction to the Suzuki philosophy and method. It is a quick read and a great way to get started on your Suzuki parent education. In addition, your teacher may have other reading materials to recommend- there are so many resources available now!
Listening
Listening to the Suzuki recordings is the foundation of the method, and you and your child can start this right away before ever attending a lesson! CD’s can be played in the background as we go about our daily activities. You will be amazed later when your child learns a new song quickly because they already “know” it from so many repeated listenings.
Music Reading
Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music. At our school, we feel that it is very important that our students become proficient music readers. We do our first music reading without the instrument with singing and clapping. Once we have developed basic skills on the instrument, we start to practice simple music reading on the instrument. As the student becomes more advanced, we nourish the development of music reading ability by offering frequent opportunities to play supplemental music in small ensembles and orchestra.
Group Classes
We refer to our young beginner classes as “Pre-Twinkle” classes, because there are many small steps to go through before we will play the first song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Variations.” These classes will meet weekly on Saturday mornings at 926 N. Flood. (Go around to the back of the building. There is a sign that says “Norman School for Strings” on the door.) Parents will attend with the child. Group classes will help the children develop many skills, including following directions. (There is no additional cost for these classes.)
Box Violin
When the children begin lessons they may use a box instrument rather than a violin or viola. This helps the children to learn important skills without having to worry about the safety or the weight of the instrument. It also makes getting the instrument a big event which is earned through all of the hard work that has been put in at lessons and at home.
Instruments
It is very important that your child have the right size instrument. This will require measuring and fitting your child in person, so please DO NOT rent or purchase instruments or bows without consulting your teacher first. It is also important to get a high quality instrument. Your teacher will be able to help you find a good instrument. A good instrument will be easier to play and will ensure your child's success. Quality in stringed instruments can vary a great deal and while it might seem like you are getting a great deal, without proper knowledge, it can be very easy to purchase/rent something that is of poor quality.
Private Lesson
The first semester only, the child will need to enroll in a 45 minute lesson so that part of the lesson can be used for parent education. Parents will need a full size instrument. The parent will attend the private lesson without the child for the first 4 weeks. During that time, the child will observe group classes and other children’s private lessons, if possible. After those 4 weeks, the child usually begins study, and the parent will use whatever lesson time is over after the child has finished. We will periodically offer a group parent class, as well. (There is no additional charge for this class.) Please note that other family members such as siblings are allowed to be in the lesson so long as they are not a distraction. If you plan to bring younger children please provide them with quiet activities to occupy them, and be responsible for their behavior in the studio.
Recitals
There will be two solo recitals each year, a small ensemble/orchestra concert and at least two group performances.
Our Suzuki Program for ages 6 and under is taught by Suzuki Association trained instructors and is available for students age 4 and up. We are located in Norman, and serve students from all over the Oklahoma City area, including Moore, Midwest City, and Edmond. Weekly private violin, viola, or cello lessons, weekly group classes, and instruction for parents of beginning students are all included in the tuition.
Parent Education
Parents of our youngest beginning Suzuki students (ages 6 and under) will participate in a parent education program. The “practice parent” will learn how to play the first song. This will teach them the basics and will help them learn how to practice with their child. In addition, it motivates the child to see Mom or Dad play. Some parents like playing so much that they choose to enroll in their own private lessons once this semester is over!
Parent and Child
The parent and child will practice together daily. The parent will act as the “home teacher.” This commitment to daily time with the instrument is the most important thing that the parent can do for the child to be successful.
Observation
Students are encouraged to observe other student’s lessons and group classes as much as possible before getting started with violin lessons. Children learn a lot even when it seems that they are not paying attention. Once they have started their own lessons, they are still encouraged to come a little early to watch the lesson before theirs. Please come in quietly. If your child becomes restless it is a good idea to leave.
Nurtured by Love
It is has been a tradition for many years for new parents to read the short book “Nurtured by Love” (by Shinichi Suzuki ) as an introduction to the Suzuki philosophy and method. It is a quick read and a great way to get started on your Suzuki parent education. In addition, your teacher may have other reading materials to recommend- there are so many resources available now!
Listening
Listening to the Suzuki recordings is the foundation of the method, and you and your child can start this right away before ever attending a lesson! CD’s can be played in the background as we go about our daily activities. You will be amazed later when your child learns a new song quickly because they already “know” it from so many repeated listenings.
Music Reading
Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music. At our school, we feel that it is very important that our students become proficient music readers. We do our first music reading without the instrument with singing and clapping. Once we have developed basic skills on the instrument, we start to practice simple music reading on the instrument. As the student becomes more advanced, we nourish the development of music reading ability by offering frequent opportunities to play supplemental music in small ensembles and orchestra.
Group Classes
We refer to our young beginner classes as “Pre-Twinkle” classes, because there are many small steps to go through before we will play the first song, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Variations.” These classes will meet weekly on Saturday mornings at 926 N. Flood. (Go around to the back of the building. There is a sign that says “Norman School for Strings” on the door.) Parents will attend with the child. Group classes will help the children develop many skills, including following directions. (There is no additional cost for these classes.)
Box Violin
When the children begin lessons they may use a box instrument rather than a violin or viola. This helps the children to learn important skills without having to worry about the safety or the weight of the instrument. It also makes getting the instrument a big event which is earned through all of the hard work that has been put in at lessons and at home.
Instruments
It is very important that your child have the right size instrument. This will require measuring and fitting your child in person, so please DO NOT rent or purchase instruments or bows without consulting your teacher first. It is also important to get a high quality instrument. Your teacher will be able to help you find a good instrument. A good instrument will be easier to play and will ensure your child's success. Quality in stringed instruments can vary a great deal and while it might seem like you are getting a great deal, without proper knowledge, it can be very easy to purchase/rent something that is of poor quality.
Private Lesson
The first semester only, the child will need to enroll in a 45 minute lesson so that part of the lesson can be used for parent education. Parents will need a full size instrument. The parent will attend the private lesson without the child for the first 4 weeks. During that time, the child will observe group classes and other children’s private lessons, if possible. After those 4 weeks, the child usually begins study, and the parent will use whatever lesson time is over after the child has finished. We will periodically offer a group parent class, as well. (There is no additional charge for this class.) Please note that other family members such as siblings are allowed to be in the lesson so long as they are not a distraction. If you plan to bring younger children please provide them with quiet activities to occupy them, and be responsible for their behavior in the studio.
Recitals
There will be two solo recitals each year, a small ensemble/orchestra concert and at least two group performances.
(405) 818-9504 normanschoolforstrings@gmail.com