Download Suzuki Policies and Procedures

SUZUKI STUDIO Policies basic information Demo Lesson + Interview + Observations Every student is allowed one demo lesson free of charge to determine whether Suzuki violin lessons are a good fit for both parent and child. Before admittance to the program there will be a brief phone interview to discuss the pillars of the Suzuki method, the direction that violin study will take, and expectations for parent, teacher, and child. Incoming students are encouraged to attend and observe current students to get a sense of how lessons are conducted. Tuition Tuition is billed by 15 week semester and can be broken down into 4 monthly payments. Prices for Fall Session (September - December) 15 Lessons, 4 Group Classes and 1 Fall Recital Regular Rate: $900 Sibling Rate: $700 4 billing cycles: September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1 Monthly Regular Rate: $225 Monthly Sibling Rate: $175 If you would like to pay for the lessons all up front, Payment Due by September 9th. Advanced Payment Regular Rate: $850 Advanced Payment Sibling Rate: $650 Financial Aid/Reduced Rates Need based financial aid and reduced lesson rates are available. The Suzuki method was conceived to be inclusive, and should be so both financially and philosophically. Attendance Students must give their teacher 24 hours notice to considered an “excused absence.” Excused absences for private lessons can be made up on Saturdays at the convenience of the teacher. Group class absences will not be accommodated. No refunds or credit will be issued. All teacher absences will be punctually rescheduled and made up.

[email protected] telephone (917) 861-0379 Bantam Studios Brooklyn, NY

SUZUKI STUDIO Policies Required Materials Suzuki Violin School Vol 1 (book and cd) This is the music for the first volume of songs that we will learn. Start listening to the cd as soon as you get it! 3-ring binder Notebook and pen to keep notes. Nurtured by Love This is Dr. Suzuki’s autobiography and an explanation of how he developed the method and philosophy. The translation is a little clunky (from Japanese via his German wife) but it’s a pretty quick and interesting read and is really helpful in understanding why the method is set up the way it is. Helping Parents Practice by Edmund Sprunger An incredibly helpful book with tips for how to make daily practice easier and more productive. This one is worth coming back to as the student progresses and gets older. Ed has a background both in Suzuki pedagogy and childhood neurology, and has really helpful insights into why practices can get derailed and how to get them back on track. Video camera/audio recorder (optional but recommended) A great way to keep track of important points of the lesson or to get visual reminders of new teaching points. Most smart phones can take high quality photos, videos and audio recordings. Tote Bag (optional) Makes it easy to keep everything together! Instrument You will not need a violin for the first few lessons. I will help you size and order a violin when needed. Kot’s Violin shop in Philadelphia offers the best quality student instruments that I have found for the most reasonable rates. Shipping is available. Kot’s violin shop www.kotviolin.com (610) 225-1870 (610) 527- 5552


SUZUKI STUDIO Policies Lesson Protocol and Parent Responsibilities The Suzuki method was originally conceived by Shinichi Suzuki as the “mother tongue” method of learning. Following his realization that “All Japanese children speak Japanese,” Dr. Suzuki developed a teaching method based on the theory that if a child can learn something as complicated as a language through observation, imitation and constant and consistent repetition than music can be effectively taught the same way. From this, Dr. Suzuki developed the learning model of the Suzuki Triangle, where the student, parent and teacher have equally important roles in the learning process. Parent as home teacher During weekly private lessons and group classes the teacher will demonstrate new techniques and effective practice habits. Parent must attend all lessons and group classes and take notes on new techniques and materials covered in lessons. During home practice, a parent’s role is to help the student put these new techniques into practice and build habits. The practice parent attends all lessons so that he or she understands the learning process and can feel secure when working with the child during the week. Creating an environment (consistency and positivity) The most important single ingredient for success with the Suzuki violin method is the parent’s willingness to devote regular time to work closely with the child and the teacher. Life is busy, and practicing is difficult, but creating a positive, supportive environment where practice becomes a daily habit is essential to succeeding with suzuki violin. Lesson Involvement The practice parent should be an active participant in the lesson while minimizing distracting for the student. The parent should take notes on specific lesson points, and listen for what new practice spots and techniques will be assigned for the week and ask questions. Often a parent “coaching” a child during a lesson can be information overload and will be more confusing than helpful. Try to avoid “helping” or “reminding” your child of that troublesome “low two” or using “crispy bows” on “pepperoni pizza” during the lesson. Iphones, ipads, and blackberries should be put away unless specifically being used as lesson aids. 30 Non-musical benefits to Suzuki Violin Lessons Dr. Suzuki envisioned his “talent education” method of learning to be much more than a way to learn violin. As Suzuki wrote in his book, Nurtured by Love “I wanted to create great citizens of the world.” Here are 25 non-musical benefits of the Suzuki Method.

• Increased focus and discipline • Respect for self and others • Appreciation for art • Critical thinking and problem solving skills • Increased cognitive and bodily awareness • A community of other musicians • Awareness of accomplishment with both small and large achievements • Patience • Joy in the learning process rather than results • Dedicated quality time for parent and child • Time management skills • A sense of consistency and long term improvement • Contact, friendship and identification with people outside of normal peer group

• A sense of honesty with oneself and others • Memorization and recall skills • Physical, mental and emotional exercise • Differentiation of qualitative and quantitative work

• Public appearance skills through solo and group performance

• Confidence • Systematic thinking • A sense of long term gratification • Improved fine and gross motor skills • Ability to remain positive while facing difficulty • An appreciation for learning together with family and friends

• Creativity and inspiration
