Pre-twinkle cello
"Enjoyment of the moment" is a key phrase that describes our program’s philosophy. It is our hope that parents will enjoy their children’s development as they move through these important learning years. Never will children learn so much and seem to move so slowly! But with trust in what is to come, parents can find immense satisfaction in the mastery of each step and observe first-hand a solid foundation being formed.
All new parents and children are asked to observe a minimum of two private lessons. At these times the Suzuki Triangle can be seen in action: parent, teacher, and child working, sharing, and having fun together. Success in the Suzuki approach depends upon this triangular relationship, rooted in a rich environment. Additional observations of group classes, recitals, and play-ins are strongly recommended. Observing students already playing will give new students and parents confidence that they too will learn to play.
If the Pre-Twinkle student has to miss a class, this will not be made up; rather, the parent is asked to come, take the lesson, observe the other children, and participate in the discussions. Children develop at different rates and are not expected to move at the same pace. Each child will develop as an individual, not in competition with others, but sharing with each other.
The Suzuki Philosophy is one based on love, yet we know that discipline is a part of love. As children begin lessons, training is directed toward helping them understand behavioral expectations. The parent’s help and cooperation in this area will aid in the child’s progress and contribute to the overall learning atmosphere of the class.
Finally, parents with questions, problems, or just the need for some reassurance are urged to call the teacher. The Pre-Twinkle experience is a time for planting the “musical seeds.” If we give them time and proper nurturing, they will begin to grow, a little at a time!
Level 1 (the first year of cello)
Two classes per week are scheduled, consisting of two to four children, each with a
parent. Classes include discussion of Suzuki philosophy and its application, questions, parent lessons,
individual instruction with each student, observation of each other’s lesson and group activities.
Parents often can learn more by observing someone else’s child than their own; likewise, each child
will gain much from watching and listening to friends, as well as being observed by others. All children
and parents are expected to be prompt for lessons and stay until their conclusion.
Two classes per week in the beginning stages provide more hands-on experience for the teacher and student and ample time for training the parent as home teacher. Class size and make-up sometimes change after the introductory stages have been completed but still meet twice weekly. All scheduling decisions are made to offer the best training situation for each child.
Level II (the second year- optional)
Two students are paired to receive one forty-minute partner lesson per week, plus The New
Beginners' Class which meets on Thursday afternoons. The PreTwinkle fee applies with no additional cost
for New Beginners' Class. During the partner lesson the children receive individual instruction, observe
each other's lesson, and sometimes play together. The New Beginners Class places several children
together to review fundamental violin skills and pieces already learned. This is the beginning of the
group experience which continues throughout Suzuki study, and is enjoyed by the students. Pairing for
partner lessons for Level II is carefully considered at the end of Level I by parent and teacher. After
Level II, children move to an individual thirty minute lesson and continue to participate in the string
class curriculum. In some circumstances, children may proceed directly to individual lesson and classes
after Level I.
Twice-a-week Pre-Twinkle cello classes continue until the teacher and parent decide the child is ready
for individual lessons. At that time the student joins the Thursday afternoon Book One cello class.
