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Frequently Asked Questions

These questions apply to music lessons only. See the Play! section for more answers to common questions about our upcoming preschool.

How do I know if my child is ready for lessons?

First, please consider the following points to consider whether you are ready for lessons:

  1. It is the parents' and teacher's responsibility to generate and maintain interest in the violin and joy in the process. This may be done in a number of ways including observing other lessons, having the parent take lessons for a while first, attending concerts, listening to lots of recordings, attending group classes, school concerts, workshops, institutes, etc.
  2. This program works best for parents who consider instrumental lessons to be an essential part of a child's education.
  3. Parents are responsible for initiating and participating in practice each day. Parents of siblings should arrange a time to practice with each sibling.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you evaluate whether your child is ready for lessons:

  1. Observation: Will the child sit and watch sibling practice or lesson? How long? Will the child sit and watch another student's lesson? How long?
  2. Participation: Can the child stand still on a foot chart for the Twinkle Variations? (3½ minutes) Can the child watch an object being held 12" from nose? How long? Can the child exercise self control when given directions to wait? Can the child follow a short series of simple instructions from parent?
  3. Environment: Is a parent available to practice each day with the child? If the child is young (3 or 4) it is preferable to practice in a few short sessions during the day. Are there any younger children at home? If yes, can they occupy themselves for 30 minutes while you practice with your child? Do you feel that the child should start lessons now? Why?

Can I just try out the lessons to see if my child likes it?

It is recommended that you initially commit to at least one year of violin lessons for your child. We encourage you to think about instrumental lessons at the Suzuki Academy as part of your child's basic education. In this way, music lessons are unlike many other hobbies or extracurricular activities. Because of the time commitment, rate of progress and effort required to play music, students often need at least a year just to figure out a practice routine. In addition, students often need even longer before they are able to play many pieces easily and beautifully. During this time, there are many ups, downs and plateaus in the process. Often, young students are taken by surprise that they can't just play right away. Before you begin lessons, expose your children to as much music as possible to help you determine what instrument your child might prefer.

Why do I have to observe lessons?

Observing the lessons of other students provides many benefits. First, observation helps new students set expectations and ease fears by familiarizing them with the lesson environment, teacher and process. Second, for experienced students, observation provides opportunities for learning without being “on the spot.” Second, students' skills are reinforced by watching others be taught in different ways. Finally, students may learn new pieces and review old pieces as they observe.

What is expected of the parents?

  1. Attend lessons.
  2. Familiarize yourself with Suzuki philosophy.
  3. Bring a notebook and take notes at the lesson.
  4. Take responsibility for initiating daily practice sessions, keeping in mind that there will be ups, downs, and plateaus. Average a minimum of 5 days of practice per week.
  5. Be positive about and during practice sessions.
  6. Try to discuss the lesson or practice it immediately after to better remember it.
  7. Create a home environment where music is a natural activity in a normal day's routine.
  8. Make sure your child is listening to the recordings for at least one hour per day.
  9. Attend community and professional concerts as a listener with your child.
  10. Refrain from comparing your child to other students.
  11. Attend group classes and parent discussions.
  12. Attend group performances and recitals.

Besides the tuition, what other costs are involved?

The following are the supplies and materials needed for beginning lessons:

  • violin
  • bow and case (purchase or rent)
  • rosin
  • cleaning cloth
  • Suzuki Violin School Volume 1
  • Suzuki Violin School CD Volume 1
  • notebook
  • box violin
  • foot mat
  • tuning fork

What is a box violin?

A box violin is required for beginning students ages 6 and younger. This is a cardboard box and dowel that resemble a violin and a bow. Beginners will be introduced to the mechanics of playing the violin on the box so that they do not have to worry about the sound they make. When these basic mechanics are mastered, the real violin is introduced.

Do I have to take lessons too?

It is a tradition of the Suzuki method to teach parents first. This helps motivate the children and allows them to learn a great deal before they ever pick up a violin. At the Suzuki Academy, we do not require parents to learn first. However, if a parent chooses, or if because of particular circumstances such as the age of the child, lessons would be beneficial, parents may be given lessons at the beginning of the child's study.

When will my child practice without me?

The answer to this varies from child to child. The process of learning how to practice is gradual and takes time. Many children will assume much of the responsibility for practice by age 12.

When will my child learn to read music?

At the Suzuki Academy, we generally begin music reading instruction during the summer after a student completes Volume 1. However, if a child is very young or is not yet comfortable reading language, we will choose a different time.

Can I bring siblings to the lessons?

It is important that you be able to give your undivided attention to your child during his/her lesson. However, we understand that sometimes circumstances make it difficult to find a babysitter or other adult to care for a sibling at lesson time. If this is the case, please bring a quiet activity for the sibling during lesson time.