| The Suzuki Program provides young children, from age 4 and up, immediate access to playing an instrument and music.
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The Suzuki program at Areté Music Academy consists of three core components:
- Weekly private lessons (30 or 45 minutes)
- Weekly group playing classes (45 minutes)
- A performance opportunity (once per semester)
The Suzuki Method is unique in that it teaches students to play an instrument using the “mother tongue” approach. This method is particularly successful in teaching young children and beginners. Students learn by listening, repetition, and encouragement in a nurturing environment. For young students, their parent’s participation in lesson and classes are mandatory.
Students may choose to enroll in a full-year program (32 weeks) or a semester program (16 weeks). Private instructions currently are available in violin and cello.
Weekly Private Lessons
Private lessons are available in 30 and 45 minutes in length. This is attended by both the student and the parent. At first, most of the time will be devoted to instrumental instruction for the parent. Gradually, as the child matures, gains in physical strength and coordination, and develops greater concentration and a longer attention span, he or she will absorb more and more of the lesson time. Ultimately, the parent relinquishes all but a few minutes at the end of the lesson. This time is saved for consultation with the teacher on practice suggestions and goals for the at-home work.
Weekly Group Playing Classes
The group playing classes meet once a week, in addition to the weekly private lessons. These group classes prepare the children both physically and musically for playing the instrument. Only when all the children in the group have, on the advice of their private teachers, moved on to real instruments, do they begin playing together. The class reinforces the work done in the private lesson and provides incentive and stimulus important for very young children.
Performance Opportunities
Each student enrolled in the Suzuki Program will, with teacher’s permission, participate in a public performance at the School once a semester.
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