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 Suzuki Violin Program

"Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited." "Where love is deep, much can be accomplished." -Shinichi Suzuki

Shinichi Suzuki developed the technique which bears his name in Japan following World War II. He realized that through the techniques of immersion and repetition, it was possible to bring out each child's unique musical ability. In addition to private lessons and group classes, Suzuki requires a commitment on the part of the parent to attend lessons and foster the child's learning every day. The Suzuki method is much more than a system for teaching children to play the violin. It is a philosophy for living, one that uses music to show children and adults alike the beauties of the world.

The Suzuki method is comprised of three different aspects: private or "pod" lessons, group classes, and practice, reading and listening at home. Each parent wanting to sign a child up for the program is required to observe group and private lessons and/or attend an orientation class prior to beginning lessons. These observations should give parents a good idea of the commitment required. Parents are required to purchase and read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki and the Suzuki compact discs . This book details the core values and beliefs that underlie the Suzuki philosophy, and illustrate both the musical and personal goals of the program. The cds will help the student learn the repertoire by ear in advance of playing.

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Our instructor is Elizabeth Cunha. Elizabeth studied with Ronda Cole at the University of Maryland and has taught the Suzuki method for more than five years. She has completed teacher training books 1 through 8, Every Child Can and Group Overview Books 1-4 Group Teaching Techniques. Contact Elizabeth directly to discuss our program.

Contact Elizabeth

Why Suzuki?

The first year of lessons

How do I enroll my child?

Music Mind Games

In addition to the Suzuki Method, Elizabeth teaches Music Mind Games, a structured series of noncompetitive games used to teach the basics of rhythm, notes, symbols, clefs and key signatures. Music Mind Games was developed by Michiko Yurko in Kensington, MD, and has been used around the world to teach children a fun way to learn music theory. It is a common complement to Suzuki instruction, reinforcing the rhythmic and melodic ideas and making music a fun and enriching experience. But the class will be open to all students, and the most prominent benefit is that their private teacher will spend less time on theory and rhythm in private lessons, allowing more time for specific attention to their instrument.

Suzuki Class Materials

Prior to attending the first lesson, parents must purchase theSuzuki Violin Book/CD One Revised Edition. These will familiarize you with the techniques and philosophy which are the basis for the Suzuki method. Follow the links below to order your copies, or check your local music store.

Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki

To Learn With Love by William Starr

Suzuki Book I/CD I Revised Edition

Please bring the following materials to the first lesson:

-One white or light-colored posterboard 24x 36 inches (may be comprised of two smaller posters).
-Two blank composition-style notebooks and a pen for taking notes
-Classical music recordings for “special listening” (consult your teacher for more details).

Violin in good condition equipped with fine tuners on all strings.  The violin should have fresh strings.  Most fine violin shops can help with sizing for your child, including the following:

  • Potter’s Violins, 4706 Highland Ave, Bethesda, MD, (301) 652-7070
  • Dale Music Co., 20910 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD, (301) 589-1459
  • Gailes’ Violin Shop, 1013 Rhode Island Ave, College Park, MD, (301) 474-4300
  • Lashof Violins, 6-C East Cedar Ave, Gaithersburg, MD, (301) 330-2606

Bow with real horsehair in good condition.  For young children more likely to drop and break it, a synthetic boy might be appropriate (consult your teacher); otherwise, a wooden bow is best.

Rosin (this should come with the violin) in a wooden trough is best.

 

 

 

 

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