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| HeartStrings Studio River Falls Academy, Suite 212 439 West Maple Street River Falls, WI 54022 Tel: 715-425-0170 |
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| 439 West Maple Street |
| River Falls Academy, Suite 212 |
| River Falls, WI 54022 |
| Tel: 715-425-0170 |
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| Dr. Shinichi Suzuki 1898-1998 |
| "Parents who have smiling faces have children who have smiling faces." Shinichi Suzuki |
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Studio Philosophy
THE SUZUKI APPROACH ::
Our programs are based on the educational approach of the late Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan.
Dr. Suzuki called his approach the "Mother Tongue Method"
because he believed that all children can play an instrument
in much the same way as they learn their native language.
He observed that language learning is accomplished
by all children without fail, including the most subtle and
complicated nuances of speech, except where special
learning disabilities are involved. Dr. Suzuki applied this
approach to instrumental music, with great success.
With the Suzuki approach, children learn to play an
instrument by ear, assisted by daily listening to recordings
of the repertoire they are learning. Just as children learn
to understand and speak their native language first before
learning to read it, Suzuki students have their instrumental
skills well established before moving on to reading music.
Giving emphasis first to playing and later to music reading
results in excellent ear training and a strong sense of
musicality.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF THE SUZUKI APPROACH ::
THE SUZUKI TRIANGLE: PARENT, CHILD & TEACHER ::
In the Suzuki Approach, parents play a crucial role, acting as the ' home teachers.' The teacher meets
only once during the week with the student in a one-on-one lesson while the parent practices at
home with the child every day. Therefore, it is essential
that the parent plays an active role in the learning process,
attending lessons, practicing at home with the child and
being responsible for daily listening. This daily listening
enables the student to learn assigned pieces more easily
so that the bulk of practice and lesson time can be devoted
to refining skills rather than struggling to learn notes.
Lack of musical experience need not be a barrier to being a good
home teacher and our staff will spend whatever time is
necessary to help teach parents how to help their child at home.
RECOMMENDED OBSERVATION TIME ::
All parents and students joining the HeartStrings Studio are invited to have an initial meeting and
parent orientation with HeartStrings Director, Joan Molloy.
In addition, parents and students will observe at least two lessons before enrolling, preferably one
individual lesson and one group lesson. This familiarizes families with our space, our teaching staff,
lesson protocol and helps assess the child’s interest.
We have an open door policy which means that all lessons are open to observers.
Observations can be scheduled by calling the studio.
LESSON FORMAT ::
Each student receives 31 private lessons over the nine months from September through May, and 4
private lessons during the summer months. Beginning students have half-hour lessons,
increasing in length as they progress through the repertoire. By Book Three, a 45-minute lesson is
recommended with an hour lesson for Books Four and up. Fees are determined by the length of the
lesson.
one hour. Group lessons focus on developing ensemble skills, reviewing technical skills and
providing peer motivation. Individual and group lessons are included in the monthly
tuition fee.
PARENT EDUCATION ::
Parent education classes are offered as needed. These classes meet two to three times covering:
For more information, please contact Joan Molloy at 715.425.0170.
THE SUZUKI APPROACH ::
Our programs are based on the educational approach of the late Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan.
Dr. Suzuki called his approach the "Mother Tongue Method"
because he believed that all children can play an instrument
in much the same way as they learn their native language.
He observed that language learning is accomplished
by all children without fail, including the most subtle and
complicated nuances of speech, except where special
learning disabilities are involved. Dr. Suzuki applied this
approach to instrumental music, with great success.
With the Suzuki approach, children learn to play an
instrument by ear, assisted by daily listening to recordings
of the repertoire they are learning. Just as children learn
to understand and speak their native language first before
learning to read it, Suzuki students have their instrumental
skills well established before moving on to reading music.
Giving emphasis first to playing and later to music reading
results in excellent ear training and a strong sense of
musicality.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF THE SUZUKI APPROACH ::
- Daily listening
- Working in small, manageable steps
- Positive and nurturing environment
- Reinforcing each accomplishment with praise
- Balance and physical ease
- Accurate intonation
- Repetition to ensure complete mastery
- Daily review
- Performance opportunities
- Fostering the belief that talent and the qualities that help one become a noble human being
are not inborn but are developed
THE SUZUKI TRIANGLE: PARENT, CHILD & TEACHER ::
In the Suzuki Approach, parents play a crucial role, acting as the ' home teachers.' The teacher meets
only once during the week with the student in a one-on-one lesson while the parent practices at
home with the child every day. Therefore, it is essential
that the parent plays an active role in the learning process,
attending lessons, practicing at home with the child and
being responsible for daily listening. This daily listening
enables the student to learn assigned pieces more easily
so that the bulk of practice and lesson time can be devoted
to refining skills rather than struggling to learn notes.
Lack of musical experience need not be a barrier to being a good
home teacher and our staff will spend whatever time is
necessary to help teach parents how to help their child at home.
RECOMMENDED OBSERVATION TIME ::
All parents and students joining the HeartStrings Studio are invited to have an initial meeting and
parent orientation with HeartStrings Director, Joan Molloy.
In addition, parents and students will observe at least two lessons before enrolling, preferably one
individual lesson and one group lesson. This familiarizes families with our space, our teaching staff,
lesson protocol and helps assess the child’s interest.
We have an open door policy which means that all lessons are open to observers.
Observations can be scheduled by calling the studio.
LESSON FORMAT ::
Each student receives 31 private lessons over the nine months from September through May, and 4
private lessons during the summer months. Beginning students have half-hour lessons,
increasing in length as they progress through the repertoire. By Book Three, a 45-minute lesson is
recommended with an hour lesson for Books Four and up. Fees are determined by the length of the
lesson.
one hour. Group lessons focus on developing ensemble skills, reviewing technical skills and
providing peer motivation. Individual and group lessons are included in the monthly
tuition fee.
PARENT EDUCATION ::
Parent education classes are offered as needed. These classes meet two to three times covering:
- Suzuki philosophy
- Role of parents as home teachers
- Studio policies
- Buying and renting violins
- Caring for instruments
For more information, please contact Joan Molloy at 715.425.0170.