The Suzuki Piano Method

Suzuki private lessons are offered at this studio. Each student receives one, private lesson weekly, 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length according to the enrollment choice of the parent. This program, originally from Japan, is a highly successful ear training method designed for serious classical study. The Suzuki method is based on the concept that the ear should be trained before the eye which results in students mastering technique and tonality first without the distraction of staff note reading. Although ear training is stressed, music theory and note reading are a priority in the music education offered at this studio. Traditional note reading materials are started by the 2nd lesson and taught in conjunction with ear training.

This approach requires s a high level of parental involvement and commitment, daily practice and listening to recordings. Students must have an acoustical (real) piano or at least a high end, full-size digital instrument by completion of Book I . I do not recommend this approach to families who are not interested in a long term piano study commitment and/or have very busy schedules. Some of the basic principles andingredients of the Suzuki approach are:

1. Begin as early as possible. Dr. Suzuki recommends that ability development begins at birth and formal training may be started as early as age 3.
   
   
2. Move in small steps so the child can master the material with a total sense of success, thereby building his confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Each child progresses at his own pace.
   
   
3. Either the mother or the father attends all lessons so that (s)he understands the learning process and can feel secure when working with the child as the home-teacher. The most important single ingredient for success is the parent’s willingness to devote regular time to work closely with the child and the teacher.
   
   
4. Daily listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire, as well as good music in general, is the nucleus of the Suzuki approach. The more the student listens to his CD, the more quickly he learns. This approach derives from the way all normal children learn to speak their native language.
   
   
5. Postpone music reading until the child’s aural and instrumental skills are well established, just as we teach children to read a language only after they can speak it.
   
   
6. Create in lessons and home practice an enjoyable learning environment, so that much of the chlid’s motiviation comes from enthusiasm for learning and the desire to please.

Traditional Piano Method of Study

This studio offers a quality and creative traditional piano method of study for those students who choose this option over the Suzuki Method of study. Points to consider with this approach are listed below:

1. TEACHING SCOPE AND SEQUENCE: This approach focuses on 3 basic fundamentals in piano/ keyboard study IN THIS ORDER of progression: --BEAT AND RHYTHM – counting rhythms correctly--KEYBOARD GEOGRAPHY – learning where each key is on the keyboard, being able to identify keys quickly and accurately. -- STAFF NOTE READING – learning and being able to securely identify notes on the music staff. Note memorization AND interval staff note reading are taught simultaneously.
   
   
2. LITTLE OR NO PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Being musically literate enables each student to be an independent musician, able to work through new assignments by themselves. Home practice is efficient and easy for the student to do on his own. However, bear in mind that any younger student (ages 5 - 7) will require parent supervision.
   
   
3. INSTRUMENT FLEXIBILITY: Students will NOT be required to own an acoustical or (real) piano. Smaller (not to be confused with a toy) electric keyboards are acceptable for home practice and will suffice for a longer period of time.
   
   
4. CURRICULUM: A good, core basic lesson book method curriculum will be chosen by the teacher that will best suit each student's learning style and/or ability. In addition, Linda Walker will use her original compositions and in many cases, write pieces specifically for the individual student. Every effort will be made to utilize any student's material that has been previously purchased