Suzuki Trained Instructors
Our Suzuki Program for ages 7 and up is taught by Suzuki Association trained instructors and is available for students of all ages. We are located in Norman, and serve students from all over the Oklahoma City area, including Moore, Midwest City, and Edmond. Weekly private lessons and weekly group classes are both included in the tuition.
Parent and Child
The parent will attend lessons and take careful notes. The parent will schedule daily practices and help the child practice the same things that they practiced with the teacher at the lesson. 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. A student’s interest in playing may fluctuate throughout the year. This is normal and should be worked through. If you notice that your child is having trouble with practicing or motivation, please let the teacher know. She may be able to help!
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.
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
One private lesson will be scheduled each week at a convenient time for both teacher and student. Private lessons may also be held in the teacher’s home. Generally, students in Book 1 at the Pre-Twinkle through Etude level will have a 30-minute lesson, those playing the Bach Minuets through the end of Book 3 will have a 45-minute lesson, and all students Book 4 and up will have an hour lesson. For students ages 12 and under it is required that a parent be in attendance for all lessons. For those students ages 13 and up parental attendance is optional, but encouraged. 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.
Group Classes
Group classes are an important part of your child’s Suzuki education. They provide further instruction on repertoire, refinement of skills, and ensemble experience, as well as motivation. 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. (There is no additional cost for these classes.)
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 7 and up is taught by Suzuki Association trained instructors and is available for students of all ages. We are located in Norman, and serve students from all over the Oklahoma City area, including Moore, Midwest City, and Edmond. Weekly private lessons and weekly group classes are both included in the tuition.
Parent and Child
The parent will attend lessons and take careful notes. The parent will schedule daily practices and help the child practice the same things that they practiced with the teacher at the lesson. 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. A student’s interest in playing may fluctuate throughout the year. This is normal and should be worked through. If you notice that your child is having trouble with practicing or motivation, please let the teacher know. She may be able to help!
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.
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
One private lesson will be scheduled each week at a convenient time for both teacher and student. Private lessons may also be held in the teacher’s home. Generally, students in Book 1 at the Pre-Twinkle through Etude level will have a 30-minute lesson, those playing the Bach Minuets through the end of Book 3 will have a 45-minute lesson, and all students Book 4 and up will have an hour lesson. For students ages 12 and under it is required that a parent be in attendance for all lessons. For those students ages 13 and up parental attendance is optional, but encouraged. 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.
Group Classes
Group classes are an important part of your child’s Suzuki education. They provide further instruction on repertoire, refinement of skills, and ensemble experience, as well as motivation. 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. (There is no additional cost for these classes.)
Recitals
There will be two solo recitals each year, a small ensemble/orchestra concert and at least two group performances.