MusicLessonsNH.com, Suzuki Violin Studio,
Manchester NH, (603) 785 1884
Suzuki teacher Chris Cavanaugh loves starting children on their instrument. “I think my specialty is guiding the beginning process for the best start. Better to not have to adjust poor technique later” he says. Insuring correct technique in fun environments of private parent-involved lessons combined with engaging group lessons is the goal. Feel free to contact him for a free in-studio meeting with you and your child to see if the Suzuki Violin Studio is right for you.
More on the method below from www.suzukiassociation.org:
“Every Child Can Learn
More than forty years ago, Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.
Parent Involvement
As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.
Early Beginning
The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
Listening
Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
Repetition
Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
Encouragement
As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
Learning with Other Children In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from an are motivated by each other.
Graded Repertoire Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
Delayed Reading
Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. in the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music.”
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Teacher: Chris Cavanaugh, Suzuki violin, viola, cello
Chris trained as a Suzuki teacher at the Hartt Suzuki Institute, Capital Suzuki Institute and New England Suzuki Institute and has taught violin privately for over 18 years. He has been guest instructor at institutes in New England. He also has been a part time teacher for 10 years at the local community school of music. He has been part of the New Hampshire Philharmonic and plays across genres including rock and jazz. Live, he is a trusted improviser and collaborator. He has supported local singer-songwriter and rock recordings with violin solos. In 2014 he wrote, performed and recorded songs for his own album. Chris has a BA from Moody Bible Institute and an MA from Liberty University.
MusicLessonsNH.com Suzuki Violin Studio,
Manchester NH, (603) 785 1884
