Basic Studio Expectations

BEFORE LESSON REQUIREMENTS:

            Observations: Before your child begins taking lessons, both parent and child must observe at least 4 lessons of a student at or near your own child's skill level and age. These lessons can be observed all at once, or over a period of weeks. This requirement may be waived if no students are available.

            Reading Materials: The parent attending lessons and practicing with the student must read Dr. Suzuki's Nurtured by Love. I suggest you buy your own copy. I also have a compilation of articles pertaining to music and Suzuki music lessons that you must read. These can be found online at http://suzukimusicarticles.blogspot.com

            Additional Purchases: You will need the Suzuki Book I and the partner CD. If your child is 8 or younger, s/he will need a small rug or mat of a light color to bring to the first lesson

            For the Future: After your child learns the Twinkles, I do start music reading and I use a piano. The child must use one during practice at home. If you don't have a piano, you can probably get a cheap keyboard which will work fine. In a pinch, a small 'toy' keyboard will suffice. In addition to having a piano for music reading, you will also need the I Love to Read Music flashcards and music reading book. They are available at this website: www.ILoveToReadMusic.com.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:

            In order for this to be a positive experience, parental involvement is a must. If your child is younger than fourteen they must be accompanied by a parent, the same parent each time. Once the child has matured sufficiently, it will be your choice if you wish to attend or not.

            There are four main areas that the parent must see to for positive results. They are Lesson Time, Review Time, Practice Time and Listening Time.

            Lesson Time: As stated earlier, the same parent must attend every lesson with the child. While there, they may quietly listen and take notes, occasionally asking questions to be sure that everything is understood sufficiently so that Practice Time can be used effectively. Aside from questions, I do request that the parents not involve themselves in the actual lesson activities unless specifically invited. For example, if I am trying to explain something to the child, and the parent chimes in (perhaps to help explain), the child's attention is taken from the teacher and given to the parent. This may seem to be an efficient use of time at the moment, but later on, if the student and teacher never truly learn to communicate, it becomes a great detriment to both.

            Practice Time: I expect six days of practice from each student. The parent must take an active part in practice time to make sure it is done, and done correctly. Having the notes the parent has taken during the lessons will be essential in making sure that all assignments have been completed.

            Though I will occasionally suggest an amount of time a student ought to practice, I am more concerned that everything assigned the previous week is done by the next lesson. At times, I will ask how much time the student spends practicing to determine whether I am assigning too much, or too little.

            Review Time: Review Time usually occurs right before or after Practice Time. When a child “passes off” a piece, I expect them to keep it polished by playing it twice perfectly, every day. This is what happens during Review Time. By reviewing all the old pieces, they stay familiar to the child and are rarely forgotten. Building this supply of repertoire not only gives the child a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem for knowing a vast number of songs, it also presents them with songs that are “easy” so they can practice technique while playing a familiar song.

            Parents must see that review is done every practice day. At the end of each Suzuki book, the student will present a book recital for friends and family to attend. Here, the child will play all the pieces within the book. If the child has not done a thorough review, then we may have to relearn pieces, (a time-consuming and unhappy time for all involved).

            Listening Time: The most essential aspect of Suzuki music lessons is that of listening. Listening to the music makes it easier for the child to learn and master new pieces. It also helps develop the ear, build confidence, and produce familiarity.

            The child must listen to the Suzuki CDs 8 hours every day. Don't worry; this does not need to be active listening. I would suggest, if possible, that you have a CD player in the child's room. At night, turn on the music and set it on repeat. This way, the child can listen throughout the night. If you do this, there does not need to be any listening done during the daytime.

            Other options would be to have it playing in the house at times when the child is around, in the car when driving, or during Review Time, as the child may play his review pieces along with the CD.

            I would suggest you make a copy of the CD, perhaps onto your computer. The CD is pricey and there have been many woeful parents who have had to buy it again after it was scratched or broken.

LESSON ETIQUETTE:

            To keep things running smoothly, please be 5 minutes early for your lesson. While the student before is finishing up, you can be unpacking your instrument and getting ready. That way, as soon as the previous student is finished, your lesson can begin. This also keeps me running on-time. I don't always look at the clock and I tend to go over, using up the next student's lesson time. Also, be sure the child’s hands are washed and nails are clipped.

            If ever your child won't focus, is crying, or in any way not cooperating, I will try my best to keep them in line. If the behavior persists, I will immediately end the lesson without a refund of any money for the time lost. This is usually enough of an incentive for both child and parent to see that that the lesson proceeds in good temper.