Suzuki

Angela Leidig, Suzuki Department Co-Coordinator
Jenny Fan, Suzuki Department Co-Coordinator

Faculty Directory: Suzuki

Shinichi Suzuki believed that “any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue.” This approach to learning is based upon a close relationship between the child, parent, and teacher. The parent is present at all classes and lessons and learns how to become the daily home teacher. The principles of the Suzuki method include daily listening, development of concentration and memory skills, learning to work with other students, parents, and teachers in group activities, and continual repetition, mastery, and refinement of techniques, which allows students to build on successes. The Suzuki approach sustains a positive environment for growth.

Students are required to register separately for private lessons and weekly group ensemble class.

Beginning Suzuki students are encouraged to participate in the Eurhythmics program. We also encourage students 6-years-old and up to participate in the NEC Prep Children's Choruses.

Upcoming Event: Parent Information Session and Petting Zoo

Join us in May to learn more about the Suzuki program and try out string instruments! 

Saturday, May 18th 

• 9:00 a.m. — Parent Information Session and Petting Zoo
• 10:15 a.m. — Spring Suzuki Concert 

Sign up for the Parent Information Session and Petting Zoo!

Early Childhood Education (Suzuki)

New in 2019-2020!
Rachel Fabulich and Laura Williamson, Instructors

Suzuki Early Childhood Education is for infants and young children, ages 0-3 years old. In SECE students and their caregiver attend a weekly music and movement group class where they develop rhythmic and melodic awareness, as well as focus, social interactions, gross and fine motor skills, and vocabulary. The repertoire for the class includes traditional lullabies, action songs, and nursery rhymes. Students hear and have the opportunity to play percussion instruments such as glockenspiel, triangle, drum, xylophone, and shakers. Because of the skills they master in Suzuki Early Childhood Education, most children in the program are ready to begin instrumental studies at a very young age.

Saturday, 8:15-9:00 a.m.

Suzuki Group Ensemble Classes

In addition to weekly private lessons, Suzuki students attend a weekly group class based on repertoire level. Parents are required to attend and participate in the group classes.

The group classes serve many pedagogical purposes, some of the main benefits are:

1. Learning to watch, listen, and follow the teacher.

2. Provides a larger community of fellow string players and opportunities to perform and learn in a supportive group environment.

3. Rhythm, reading, and music in addition to the Suzuki repertoire is also an important part of the group class curriculum that supplements the private lesson.

Class Schedule

All Suzuki group ensemble classes meet on Saturdays. Please see below for a detailed description for each of our group ensemble classes. 

Class times are subject to change for the 2019-2020 academic year. 

*Viola Suzuki Ensemble (Pre-Twinkle) meets with Violin Suzuki Ensemble (Pre-Twinkle).
 

Class Descriptions

Placement into the Suzuki program is made by level not age. Fall placements take place in September. 

If you have already completed a Suzuki Placement, please click here for information about how to register for Suzuki Group Ensemble classes and private lessons.

Violin

Violin Suzuki Ensemble (Pre-Twinkle/Twinkle)

This class is for beginning Suzuki students and the practicing parent. It is a very important stage for students and parents to learn to work together, as well as layer the foundation for setting up proper technique completely before playing songs. Students will work on beginning foundational steps and cover the Twinkle variations and Twinkle Theme over the course of the year. The first 6-8 classes are for the parents only; parents will be learning about the Suzuki philosophy and learning to play the Twinkle Variations and Theme. Parents are required to read Nurtured by Love by S. Suzuki, rent a full size violin, and come to classes with the Suzuki Violin Book l, Vol. 1, revised edition.
Eurhythmics is highly recommended for all beginners.

Violin DeLay Ensemble (Book 1A)

For students in Book 1 who have completed the Twinkle Variations and are working on Lightly Row through Perpetual Motion (the 9th piece in Book 1) at the beginning of the fall semester.
Eurhythmics is recommended for all students at this level.

Violin Milstein Ensemble (Book 1B)

This class is for students who are working on Allegretto (the 10th piece in book 1) through the Happy Farmer (the 16th piece in Book 1) at the beginning of the fall semester.
Eurhythmics and/or chorus are recommended for all students at this level.

Violin Kreisler Ensemble (BOOK 2A)

This class is for students who are working on Gossec Gavotte (the 17th piece in Book 1) through Gavotte from Mignon (the 9th piece in Book 2) at the beginning of the fall semester.
Advanced Eurhythmics, chorus and/or orchestra are all recommended at this level.

Violin Paganini Ensemble (BOOK 2B/3)

This class is for students working on Lully Gavotte (the 10th piece in Book 2) through Book 3 at the beginning of the fall semester.
Orchestra and beginning music theory are recommended at this level.

Violin Heifetz Ensemble (Book 4)

This class is for students working on Bach Bourree in Book 3 (last piece in Book 3) and pieces in Book 4 at the beginning of the fall semester.
Orchestra and beginning music theory are recommended at this level.

Viola

Viola Suzuki Ensemble (Pre-Twinkle/Twinkle)

This class is for beginning Suzuki students and the practicing parent. It is a very important stage for students and parents to learn to work together, as well as layer the foundation for setting up proper technique completely before playing songs. Students will work on beginning foundational steps and cover the Twinkle variations and Twinkle Theme over the course of the year. The first 6-8 classes are for the parents only; parents will be learning about the Suzuki philosophy and learning to play the Twinkle Variations and Theme. Parents are required to read Nurtured by Love by S. Suzuki, rent a viola, and come to classes with the Suzuki Viola Book, Vol. 1, revised edition.
Eurhythmics is highly recommended for all beginners.

Viola Fuchs Ensemble

This class is for violists in Book 1 at the beginning of the fall semester.
Eurhythmics and chorus are recommended at this level.  

Viola Primrose Ensemble

This class is for violists in Book 2 and up at the beginning of the fall semester.
Eurhythmics, chorus and/or orchestra are recommended at this level. 

Cello

Cello Suzuki Ensemble (Pre-Twinkle/Twinkle)

This class is for beginning students who have never played the cello before. It is a very important stage for students and practicing parent to learn to work together, as well as layer the foundation for setting up proper technique completely before playing songs. Students will work on beginning foundation steps and cover the Twinkle Variations and Theme over the course of the year. The first 6-8 classes are for the parents only; parents will be learning the Suzuki philosophy and learning to play the Twinkle Variations and Theme. Parents are required to read Nurtured by Love by S. Suzuki, rent a full size cello, and come to classes with the Suzuki Cello Book, Vol. 1, revised edition.
Eurhythmics is highly recommended for all beginners.

Cello Rostropovich Ensemble (Book 1A)

For students in Book 1 who have completed all Twinkle Variations and working on French Folk Song through Rigadoon at the beginning of the fall.  
Eurhythmics is recommended for all students at this level.

Cello Casals Ensemble (Book 1B-2A)

This class is for students who are working are working on Happy Farmer (the 15th piece in book 1) through March in G (8th piece in book 2) at the beginning of the fall.
Advanced Eurhythmics, beginning music theory, and chorus are recommended at this level.  

Cello DuPre Ensemble (Book 2B-3)

For students in Book 2 who have completed Witches Dance (the 9th piece in book 2) through the end of Book 3 at the beginning of the fall.  
Music theory class is recommended at this level.

Questions?

Contact Lisa Fujita, Program Manager for Early Childhood Programs or call the Prep Office at (617) 585-1160.