PreTwinklers

30 min lessons

Students who have never played an instrument before start as PreTwinklers. During this stage of instruction and development, they are learning a strong foundation of instrumental technique that we will continue building on for many years. We will learn short songs and games that will help get us ready to learn the Twinkle Variations which is the first set of songs from Suzuki book 1. Some students only need 5 steps to get ready for the Twinkles - others need 50. Every child is different. 

At this stage with young players, lesson time is often split between working with the student and also the parent. The parent and child will establish a consistent home practice routine including posture, singing, rhythm and listening. The parent will learn the basic mechanics of playing to assist in home practice. As the parent of young students begins to learn basic skills to assist their child, they may wish to rent a larger instrument, depending on the size of the student's instrument.

Book 1 and 2 Students

30 min or 45 min lessons

Over the next few years, students will continue developing their technique and work through books 1 and 2 of the Suzuki repertoire. Once they are through their Twinkles (early book 1), students are ready to join Group Ensemble Classes in addition to their weekly private lesson. See information about the Ensemble Class below. 

Students typically begin reading music when they graduate from book 1. Towards the middle to end of book 2 it is often helpful to move to a 45 minute lesson to allow enough time to get through more material. I generally like to add a Technique Book that focuses on specific skills (shifting/position work, vibrato, scales, double stops, etc.) that assist our solo repertoire.

At this level, the focus during lessons is almost entirely on the student, and the parent is coached on practice techniques along with the child. The parent is the lesson observer/note taker and home teacher. The parent’s commitment at this time is crucial to the success of the student, but any parent (regardless of musical background) can be successful in helping their child. 

Book 3 and Beyond...

45 min or 60 min lessons

For more advanced students, lessons are generally 45-60 minutes, determined by age and repertoire. Students will work on developing sight-reading skills, musical expression, a fine sense of intonation and rhythm and independent practice techniques.

They will be taught HOW to practice, learning methods to break their repertoire into efficient practice sections, work on individual techniques, understand musical ideas within the repertoire, develop independent practice habits and build problem-solving skills. 

Group ensemble Classes

Ensemble playing is something that should be practiced and experienced by all students when they have developed the fundamental technique and maturity to be successful. In addition to the chamber music we study, students will also be exposed to different skills that all musicians need to refine - playing with an accompanist, harmony, theory, ear training and audience etiquette.

The class is an opportunity to experience chamber music in a small ensemble setting. We study the social aspects of music, polish pieces for performance and learn from peers. 

Dr. Suzuki considered Group Classes to be an invaluable part of the student learning experience and as such all students in book 2 and beyond are encouraged to participate.

Group Classes meet during the fall, winter and spring semesters on Tuesday evenings at my home studio in Berkley. Students are divided into a cello ensemble (book 4 and above) that works on advanced music and a mixed violin/cello ensemble that is for younger students (books 2-3). Because there are two ensembles, we meet every other week to avoid rehearsals going too late.

The goal is for both ensembles to perform at the fall and spring recitals.