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Community Music School
775 West Main Street
Trappe, PA 19426
610-489-3676
info@cmsmusic.org
www.cmsmusic.org

Home > Programs > Suzuki Academy

The Suzuki Academy at Community Music School

The Suzuki philosophy of instruction is available for violin, viola, and cello. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist, educator, philosopher, and humanitarian developed this philosophy to formulate what he called the "mother-tongue approach" that can be developed to a high level.

This approach teaches young children musical skills similar to how they learn to speak through observation and imitation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUZUKI ACADEMY

• All students must attend a weekly private and group lesson.
• At least one parent or guardian must attend all private and group lessons with the student.
• Parents of new Suzuki Academy students must attend the Suzuki Parent Education Class and observe one group lesson and one private lesson prior to the student beginning lessons.
• All Suzuki Academy students are expected to participate in scheduled Suzuki Group Recitals and workshops.
• All parents of Suzuki students (new and returning) must attend the annual Suzuki Parent Orientation held prior to the start of the first quarter.

SUZUKI PARENT EDUCATION CLASS

It is essential that parents become familiar with the Suzuki method and its supporting philosophy so they have the ability to fulfill their role in helping their child succeed. The class must be taken prior to beginning lessons at CMS (with the exception of one interview lesson). Please contact CMS for the exact dates and times.

The cost of attending the Parent Education Class is $140 and includes the Suzuki materials the student will need to begin lessons.

2007-2008 Parent Education Class Dates: TBA

SUZUKI MATERIALS

The materials packet for new, beginning Suzuki violin, viola, cello and flute students includes Suzuki Book 1, the corresponding Suzuki listening CD, the Suzuki philosophy book Ability Development From Age Zero, and the parenting book How to Get Your Child to Practice Without Resorting to Violence.

All Suzuki Academy students must purchase a Suzuki Academy polo shirt to wear at all Suzuki Academy performances, workshops and events. The cost of the shirt is $20 for children sizes and $25 for adult sizes.

LESSON LENGTHS

Suzuki Academy students through the beginning of Book 2 generally take a 30-minute lesson per week. By Book 2, the teacher may request that the student move up to a 45-minute private lesson. For younger students at this level, two 30-minute lessons per week may be more beneficial to the student. Students usually move up to a 60-minute private lesson when they have reached Book 4. It is crucial to the student's progress that they be registered for the appropriate lesson length.

TUITION

 TUITION

Tuition for the Suzuki program includes:

 - weekly private lesson and the appropriate group lesson or ensemble

 - one 9-week music enrichment class

 - participation in special Suzuki concerts at CMS

 - rehearsals and performances with a professional accompanist

 - student recitals

 - written progress report at the end of the year

 - access to the CMS music library

2007-2008 Suzuki Academy Group Class Schedule

2008-2009 Suzuki Academy Group Class Schedule: TBA

SUZUKI ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS

Belmary Lorcas (violin) is the Suzuki Academy Coordinator at Community Music School. She earned the Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from Venezuela's Conservatorio de Musica Simon Bolivar and a Master of Music Education degree from Carnegie Melon University where she also attended their performance residency program. She has attended SAA-registered teacher training courses through Suzuki Book 6 and is a registered Suzuki teacher in addition to being a member of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association.

Neil Bakshi (violin) has a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, he has taken SAA-registered teacher training courses up to the level of Suzuki Book 4. He is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association and is a registered Suzuki teacher.

Community Music School is currently accepting resumes for Suzuki Violin and Cello Instructors.  Applicants must posses an undergraduate degree in music education or performance, certified SSA teacher training and at least two years teaching experience. Interested parties should send resume and cover letter to:

Edwina French, Executive Director

Community Music School

775 W. Main Street

Trappe, PA 19426

french@cmsmusic.org

Fax: 610-409-0811