Suzuki

Angela Leidig and Jenny Fan Suzuki Department Co-Coordinators

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 OF 
learning creates a close relationship between the child, parent, and teacher. The parent is not only present at all classes and lessons but is also 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 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. Group class assignments are for the year. Class descriptions are included
on the following pages. 

Beginning Suzuki students are encouraged to participate in the Musicianship-Eurhythmics program. 

All Suzuki group classes meet on Saturday. All students enrolled in Suzuki Ensembles must be studying with a Suzuki Registered teacher. Students not enrolled in NEC Prep are required to take a placement audition. For more information, please click the button below for the placement form or contact the Prep Office at prep@necmusic.edu or call 617-585-1160.

Placement Form

2020-2021 Ensemble Time  ** Subject to Change 

Early Childhood Education (Suzuki)
Not Running 2020-2021

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 caregivers 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.

*Parents will be asked to purchase materials such as a rhythm shaker, scarf, and other noise makers

Saturday, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Twinklegarten

Rachel Fabulich and Laura Williamson, Instructors

Intended for younger pre-instrumental and young beginning students ages 3-5 and their caregiver, including students who have been through one year of SECE and are turning 4 during the 2020-21 academic year.
Twinklegarten will incorporate elements from Suzuki Early Childhood Education and Suzuki Pre-Twinkle. The course will focus on musical skills such as rhythmic and melodic understanding, social interaction, gross and fine motor skills, and pre-instrumental and beginning string techniques. Students will work on Pre-Twinkle skills including rest and play position body, taking a bow, developing fine motor skills tailored to the holding the bow, and pre-instrumental posture. The repertoire for the class will include lullabies, songs, and nursery rhymes as well as the early Suzuki repertoire. 

*Parents will be asked to purchase materials such as a rhythm shaker, scarf, and other noise makers.

Saturday, 9:00am-10:00am

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 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: Information on how to register for Suzuki Group Ensemble classes and private lessons

Violin

Violin and 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 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 Galamian Ensemble (Book 1A)

For students in Book 1 who are working on the Twinkle Variations and the first half of Book 1 at the beginning of the fall semester. Eurhythmics is recommended for all students at this level.

Violin Gingold Ensemble (Book 1B)

This class is for students who are working on the middle of Book 1 and up (the 8th piece in book 1 and up) at the beginning of the fall semester. Eurhythmics and/or Chorus are recommended for all students at this level.

Violin Kreisler Ensemble (Book 1C-Book 2)

This class is for students who are working on the end of Book 1 and the beginning of Book 2 at the beginning of the fall semester. Class will cover pieces in Book 2 during the year when students transition into Book 2 pieces.  Eurhythmics and/or Chorus are recommended for all students at this level.

Violin Paganini Ensemble (Book 2B-Book 3)

This class is for students working in Suzuki Books 2 and 3 at the beginning of the fall semester. Orchestra and beginning theory are recommended at this level.

Violin Heifetz Ensemble (Book 4-5)

This class is for students working on Book 4 and up at the beginning of the fall semester. Orchestra and beginning theory are recommended at this level.

Viola

Viola and 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
viola, and come to classes with the Suzuki Viola Book, Vol. 1, revised edition. Eurhythmics
is highly recommended for all beginners.

Viola Tuttle Ensemble-Not Running 2020-2021

This class is for violists in Book 1 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)-Not Running 2020-2021

This class is for beginning students who have never played the cello before. It is a very important stage for students and the practicing parent to learn to work together, as well as laying  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 through reading and discussions and playing the Twinkle Variations and Theme on their own cello.  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 1B)

For students in Book 1 who have completed all pieces from the first half of book and are working on Perpetual Motion through the end of book at the beginning of the fall. Eurhythmics is recommended for all students at this level.

Cello Casals Ensemble (Book 2B-Book 3A)

This class is for students who have completed all pieces from the 1st half of book 2 and are working on Musette from English Suite No. 3 (the 7th piece in book 2 ) through Minuet in G (5th piece in book 3 ) at the beginning of the fall. Advanced Eurhythmics, Beginning theory, and Chorus are recommended at this level.

Cello DuPre Ensemble (3B-4)- Not Running 2020-2021

For students in Book 3 who have completed all pieces from the first half of book 3 and are working on Gavotte in C minor(the 6th piece in book 3) through the end of Book 4 at the beginning of the fall. Music theory class is recommended at this level.

Questions?

Email prep@necmusic.edu or call the Prep Office at (617) 585-1160.