In the Love Nurtured Music Program, children learn to play an instrument through both individual and group lessons.
Musical instruction consists of weekly individual lessons, as well as weekly group classes for every student in the program. Additionally, there are planned concerts, recitals, and other group activities throughout the year.
In addition to individual and group violin lessons, students take music reading and theory instruction as part of their weekly lessons. This comprehensive approach assures that, students not only play their instrument beautifully, but that students also learn to read, write, and understand music notation and how music works.
The Suzuki music curriculum gives students a well-rounded music education that goes beyond the “typical” weekly private lesson. The Suzuki music curriculum has taken many students to the heights of music performance. It is designed to take our music students to the highest levels of musical excellence.
How Suzuki Music Instruction Works
The complete, all-inclusive Talent Education music curriculum includes:
- Weekly Individual Instrument Lessons
- Weekly Instrument-specific Group Lessons
- Music Notation & Theory Instruction
- Recitals & Performance Opportunities Through the Year
- Parent-Help Meetings to Maximize Your Child’s Music Learning
The teacher, student, and parent meet each week for an individually-focused lesson -one child at a time. While one, two or three children may be present at the same lesson, the teacher’s violin instruction is focused on one child while the other children and parents observe quietly, learning from the instruction. The length of the lessons may vary depending of the number, age and skill level of the children in the lesson, being from 30 to 90 minutes. Listening skills, posture, rhythm, and tone are developed. At home, the parent works with the child on daily instrument practice and listening throughout the week.
During a child’s first semester of Suzuki music lessons, lessons #1 – 3 may be dedicated mainly to instruct the parent to develop a rudimentary understanding of the instrument. The child observes and participates in those lessons. After that introductory stage, the child becomes the main focus of the lessons.
Essential to the Suzuki Method are group lessons, where students listen to one another play, interact musically, work on instrument technique, play musical games, learn theory skills, and learn locomotor skills. Group lessons are part of the regular instruction. Other activities such as concerts, recitals, and workshops are also part of the program.
Music Theory Lessons
Music Theory lessons allow children to read and write music notation, to understand how music works and to hear and read is merely a means to an end – music students should be able to use their music theory skills to play their instrument in a more informed manner and to compose their own music.
Because of developmental differences in young children, Suzuki music teachers recommend that children begin studying between the ages of two-and-a-half and six years old. Admission into the program may require a short meeting between the parent, child, and teacher to determine whether the program is what you and your child need. Additionally, parents receive training on the Suzuki philosophy and approach. Contact us to request more information.
How to Begin
Most Suzuki teachers recommend that parents and children observe several Suzuki lessons before registering. Parents take a course covering the basics of the Suzuki philosophy and principles of helping the child with daily practice. It is recommended that children younger than 4 attend at least a semester of early music education classes.
For further details on how to attend violin lessons and details describing the Dallas Suzuki music program, go to the contact page.