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About Our School

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Suzuki School of the Arts is a private, non-profit, 501c(3) organization offering a quality music program that provides instruction in violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano. Please feel free to take advantage of our open door policy, and observe lessons and classes at any time. SSA does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, or socioeconomic status.

 

PURPOSE

The purpose of Suzuki School of the Arts, Inc. is to provide quality music instruction in a positive and nurturing manner, utilizing the family oriented Suzuki method and philosophy.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The goal of the Suzuki School of the Arts, Inc. is to ensure that quality instruction is available not only to its own students, but that it becomes available to a wider segment of the community, including the handicapped and the economically disadvantaged, through programming and scholarship development.

 

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the Suzuki School of the Arts, Inc. is based on the philosophy and principles of the Suzuki method of teaching, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Dr. Suzuki believed that everyone is born with an ability to learn and that this ability can be developed through proper nurturing. Based on the belief that all individuals can learn and love to learn if teaching is exciting, interesting, and challenging, the Suzuki philosophy leads each student to discover his or her own unique gifts and talents. Confidence acquired through the mastering of skills enables all students to achieve the highest standards while enjoying the process in an environment of mutual respect. The blending of excellence in instruction with sensitivity to each student's needs enables the students to achieve their full potential. Embracing the family in all aspects of the Suzuki methodology generates a closesness for student and family; involving the community promotes a sense of interdependence; and inspiring a belief in the value of all persons creates an interconnectedness with the world.

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THE ROLE OF THE PARENT

The Suzuki Parent–Teacher–Student triangle is the core of Suzuki education. All SSA teachers have extensive training on how to maintain a strong relationship between the teacher and parent, teacher and student, and student and parent. Responsibilities for each person in the triangle are carefully determined by the teacher to meet the needs of each family. Parents often find that a Suzuki education is a great bonding experience between them and their children. The teacher will be a parent's greatest resource for questions about practice time, motivation, lessons, and performing.

 

HOME TEACHER

For the young Suzuki student, parents are encouraged to guide the home practice sessions, and listen to the Suzuki CDs with the student. Parents are welcome to take video and sound recordings during lessons to further help home practice. The teacher will give easy instructions on how to make home practice time productive and fun. No previous music experience is required of the parent.

 

LESSON RECORDER

As the Suzuki student develops more independence musically and physically, parents will still participate in the lesson as a note taker. Parents are still encouraged to guide the home practice sessions and listen to the Suzuki CDs, however the student will have more personal responsibilities during his/her home practice time.

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CHEERLEADER

At all Suzuki student levels, the parent is encouraged to be a cheerleader, a positive motivator. Once the Suzuki student reaches the teenage years and early adulthood, more responsibility is placed on the student for home practice time and listening of the CD. Parents are no longer required to participate in the lessons, but are still welcome to observe. The responsibility of the parent at this stage is to provide gentle encouragement and good listening ears as the student develops independent practice and performance skills.

OUR PROGRAMS

Each of these classes are included with your Academic Year Tuition.

We offer music instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, & Guitar

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PRIVATE LESSONS

Offered once a week.

A lesson with one student, their parent or guardian, and the teacher. Private lessons are generally 30 minutes in length, but may be lengthened as the student becomes more advanced. Private lessons are offered weekly during the academic term, except during "Group Week," when the student is expected to attend his/her group class. Fiddle playing is a popular supplemental component to regular lessons and occasionally group lessons.

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GROUP LESSONS

Once a month in lieu of private lesson.

Group lessons are offered once a month and are an opportunity for students to learn to play with others who are at a similar playing level. Each group lesson is approximately one hour in length and is attended by students, their parents or guardians, and one or more teachers. All students are expected to attend their group class each month.

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ENSEMBLES

Ensembles are offered during group weeks as enrollment allows.

Adult Orchestra    A monthly group class uniquely designed for all the school's adult students who are at different playing levels and who play different instruments.

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Beginning Guitar Ensemble    Students are matched according to performing levels by their teachers in a once a month class offered in lieu of a group lesson.

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Advanced Guitar Ensemble    Advanced guitar students are matched according to their performance level by their teacher in a once a month class offered in lieu of a group lesson.

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This year we are beginning a Chamber Music class in which students will be able to play in small ensembles.  This opening is for violin, viola and cello students who are fluent music readers.  Classes will meet on group weeks and one additional week per month for a total of 18 weeks. There is an extra charge for this program.

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