Piano Lessons
Our piano program is offered to all ages. Students who begin in our pre-school program can begin lessons as early as 4. Students will work on ear training and the development of proper tone and technique at the beginning stages of their piano experience. After mastering folk songs by ear, students are quickly exposed to reading music. Students joining the program at age 5+ will master all of the skills listed above as well as the introduction of reading music from the start of their musical journey. All students in our piano program are exposed to all genres of music: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Pop, and Broadway just to name a few.
Early Music Education
Here at the Suzuki Music School, we prefer to start all pre-school aged children in our early music education classes to give them a good musical foundation before they move on to an instrument. Once they have this foundation, which includes listening to the music they will first learn to play on the piano, they are prepared to move on to the instrument. Children who begin in our infant or pre-school music programs can start playing the piano as early as four years old. Children who have not been in our pre-school music program and are five years and older can begin lessons on the piano. About the Suzuki Method | Suzuki Association of the Americas
Home Teacher
One of the core principles in the Suzuki method is the participation of one parent during the lessons. This parent becomes the 'Home Teacher'. The home teacher is responsible for:
- Taking notes
- Encouraging and motivating the student
- Providing the proper environment for successful practice at home.
- Learning the beginning steps on the instrument.
One does not need a musical background to be the home teacher. All that is required is the desire to provide your child with the support and encouragement to succeed. If the parent is interested, they are welcome to study the instrument along with their child. A basic introduction to the instrument will be provided to each home teacher.
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Lessons
Beginning students start with a thirty minute lesson. The school offers forty five and sixty minute lessons for more advanced students. The first lessons are for the parent so that they may learn the beginning steps and be able to help their child when they begin lessons.
Observations
We invite you to come and observe our lessons and classes. This will give you the opportunity to see how we teach and answer any questions you may have about the school. Contact us from our contact page and request to schedule an observation time. Please tell us which instrument you are interested in and an appropriate observation will be scheduled for you.
Will My Child Learn To Read Music?
All of our students learn to read music. It is a fundamental skill that is necessary for all musicians. Music theory is introduced to three and four year olds in our pre-school music programs. Reading is introduced once the student has established a basic technique and good posture at the instrument. Once the student does begin reading, it will become a part of their daily practice.
How Long Do We Need To Practice?
The length of practice time is different for every student. For pre-school children, it can be as short as two or three minutes daily. We never force a child to practice longer than their ability to stay focused. For the very young, it is preferable to have several short practice sessions each day. As the students grow and mature, practice sessions will lengthen. Your teacher will guide you in determining the proper amount of time your practice sessions should be.
Why Do We Need To Listen To Recordings?
Listening is crucial to all musicians. As the children will first learn to play by ear (before reading is introduced), they will need to internalize the music they are going to learn. The amount of listening differs for each child. When the child is able to hum the tune, they will be able to play it on the instrument. It is important to establish the habit of listening at the very beginning of your musical experience. Students who listen daily, learn their pieces more quickly.