Information for Parents and Teaching Philosophy
Violinnovation is a Suzuki-style violin studio. Now, before you go, "Ewww. I don't want to take Suzuki lessons!" please keep reading. Or scroll down to my teaching philosophy and see if you feel differently when you read it.
I teach all students regardless of age or ability level using Suzuki principles, which are modified to meet the needs of each individual. Most students will use the Suzuki literature. I occasionally recommend or start with other repertoire series for older students. Supplemental pieces, studies, scales and exercises are added on an individual basis.
Important Information About Webcam Lessons for Kids
Students may begin webcam lessons at age 5, after one or both parents have complete the Parent Education Course. For students age 5 through the end of 3rd grade, at least one parent must be in attendance and an active participant with the student during the lesson. I do understand that working and putting food on the table is important too. And it usually interferes with school-day lessons. But this does not work if you can't be there. Educating your child is your responsibility. I'm only a helper, and I can't do it without you. So, if you are not able to arrange your schedule to attend your child's lesson, we can try again later. Yes, it is that important.
Parent Education: You Are Your Child's First and Best Teacher
Parents of new students in 4th grade or younger will need to complete a short course of parent instruction before beginning lessons. In order for the student to be successful, the parent must learn where to expect the success. The course addresses the basic points of Talent Education philosophy, as well as some of the problems of beginning violin students and how parents can help. The course can be waived if a student is coming from a teacher who is (1) an active member of the SAA and has registered training units on file with the SAA, or (2) the parent has completed the SAA's Every Child Can.
The Violinnovation Parent Education Class is $100, which includes an e-manual, two webcam Q&A sessions, and an introductory parent violin lesson.
To complete the parent education assignments, you'll need both the book and DVD versions of Nurtured by Love.The book, by Shinichi Suzuki, is available from music retailers and book stores, and may be available at your local public library. The DVD is a beautifully crafted statement of the Talent Education philosophy, and is only available from the SAA (http://www.suzukiassociation.org).
Parents of five- and six-year-old beginners will need to purchase a “Foam-a-lin” trainer violin outfit; approximately $16 with shipping, from Young Musicians. www.ymonline.com
Teaching Philosophy and Expectations
A teaching philosophy is a conceptual framework, a set of ideas that the teacher uses to build lessons and relationships with students. It governs how a teacher interacts not only with students, but with parents and prospects as well. If you are considering me as a teacher, it is important to me that you know what I believe about teaching.
For me, and many Suzuki teachers, the label “Suzuki” includes a few basic givens: active membership in the Suzuki Association of the Americas and local associations; working knowledge of Suzuki philosophy, repertoire and teaching points; ongoing professional development and personal growth; and acceptance of the SAA's Code of Ethics, among other things. However, Suzuki is more than a label or an organization: it is a spirit, a way of life devoted to action, rooted in the core belief that Every Child Can. It is a trusting, loving, positive, goal-oriented partnership between parent, student and teacher where each has role to play and defined responsibilities. The spirit transcends age, race, creed, economic status, gender or orientation.
Dr. Suzuki's premise that man is the son of his environment is where it all begins, at least in my understanding of the Talent Education philosophy. Every student has the same potential to do anything they set their mind to. We all come from different places, grow up in different homes, and are exposed to different education systems, values and mores, but the one thing that we all have in common is the inborn raw ability to do any task, whether simple or complex. What I define as ability or potential, someone else might call “talent”. Talent is. It exists in every person. It's not something that gets doled out proportionally, or some really smart people get it all and the rest of us don't get any. Specifically, talent becomes what you choose to do with it. It can be wasted, or it can be developed to a very high level of excellence. In general the more our abilities are nurtured and allowed to develop, the more we can help others. In the Suzuki world, excellence means not only playing beautifully but also having a beautiful heart, a noble yet humble spirit, becoming a better person in the process. The violin is a tool we use to not only to keep our own selves balanced and focused, but also allows us to be more sensitive to how our actions and decisions affect the lives of others.
Our environment holds the keys to how our potential develops. I believe this is true regardless of whether the student is three or ninety-three. Ability is developed by what you do with it. I'm here to educate and empower. It is my opinion that music lessons are perhaps the most cost-effective way to help students reach their fullest potential, whether academically, socially or emotionally.
All students deserve teaching that: a) is relevant and age-appropriate; b) enables them to experience success and savor the joy that comes from making music; c) helps them learn sensitivity and beauty; d) allows them to develop a high sense of logic; and, e) encourages expression of artistic impulses at each technical level. There is nothing fundamentally different between so-called traditional and Suzuki clientèle.
We all want what is best for ourselves, our kids and our families. If you look carefully at the heart of Talent Education, I believe it is the spirit that we all aspire to. Not everyone can do the lifestyle. So what? In the grand scheme of things, the environment is what is important; a place where the pursuit of excellence of heart and violin playing is emphasized, indeed expected. I don't segregate my teaching based on whether a family is "Suzuki" or not. If you are paying me for lessons, you should expect to learn something. It's not always easy or fun. Sometimes it's a lot of work and frustration. But it is always worth what you pay or sacrifice.
My general expectations are the same for each student in my studio. I would hope that your expectations would be similar.
Commitment: to daily practicing and listening; to performances and recitals; to other things that requre it, such as school work, chores and family responsibilities; to being and doing your best.
Effort: as Yoda said, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Excellent students are willing to engage in as much mindful repetition as it takes to create beauty.
Results: what happens when you discover what works and what doesn't. You could call it analyzing the effort: what went right, what didn't, and then deciding if a different approach might work better.
Progress: the great violinist Joseph Silverstein once said to never practice more than three minutes without a feeling of progress. Or to paraphrase Einstein, doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. You have to make it happen.
Parental involvement: Suzuki parents must be prepared to be an active member of the team. They supervise daily practicing and listening assignments, support the student's efforts and attend lessons. The younger the student, the more direct supervision is required. The most successful students are those who have supportive parents, spouses or partners.
Learning to play the violin is a whole-body, whole-brain activity. It is truly the definition of multi-tasking. The process of learning to play can be difficult and frustrating for students whose environment does not truly nurture their learning, or those who were taught badly. If you are ready to learn, or if you just need a change, I'm ready to help you.