Photos and video

Learning: Lessons and practice information

Individual Lessons: Beginning students enroll for a thirty minute lesson. This time is shared by child and parent, in order to instruct the parent in his/her role as home teacher. All new parents and students are encouraged to observe other student's individual lessons, as well as a group lesson, during the first few weeks of the term. During these observations, 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.

The parent is expected to be present at all lessons and supervise home practice until the teacher determines that the student is sufficiently mature to work without help. Using a cassette recorder to tape each lesson is recommended whether or not the parent is present at the lesson. Questions which come up mid-week are easily resolved, and reminders of special details result in a better-prepared lesson.

Parents are asked to take pertinent notes in a notebook which is brought to each lesson. The teacher's instructions should be written in this notebook each session, so that a complete record is available for review and reminders. The parent's role as home teacher usually continues for several years, with the student gradually assuming more responsibility. The teacher will guide the student toward working independently at the proper time.

When music reading is introduced (around Book Two or Three), it is advisable to increase the individual lesson time to forty-five minutes, and the daily practice proportionately.

The Preucil School welcomes students who transfer from non-Suzuki backgrounds during any stage of advancement. Regardless of the age of such students, it is helpful for their parents to observe lessons at first to gain an understanding of Suzuki learning ideals and any necessary technical adjustments.

Home Practice and Listening: Progress occurs during home practice and listening sessions. At lessons, the teachers take students from where they are and move them to the next step. If growth has not occurred at home during the week, the lesson remains at the same level. Similarly, careful practice and listening habits in preschool and elementary years can result in outstanding musical and academic accomplishments in high school and later life. An open understanding with the teacher about realistic practice and listening expectations is essential. While the discipline of regular practice is not always easy, children are always happiest when they do well. Suzuki challenges parents to "create the desire to learn" in their children.

Registration policies and forms

Thank you for your interest in the Preucil School of Music. If you have trouble downloading the forms, please install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To put your child or an adult student on our waiting list for lessons:

1. Please read the Enrollment Process carefully:
Enrollment Process for lessons
2. If your child is under 5 years old, please read:
Pretwinkle Partner Lesson Information
3. For information about lesson tuition and fees:
Fee Structure 2008-2009
4. Print and complete the Placement Form:
Lesson Placement Form
5. Print and complete the Observation Form:
Observation Form
6. Send the completed forms and the $35 placement fee to:

Preucil School of Music - Main Campus
524 N. Johnson St.
Iowa City, IA 52245-2840

Financial aid is available.

Cello Faculty

Anthony Arnone

Anthony Arnone is conductor of the Preucil School String Orchestra (PSSO). He is also the Assistant Professor of Cello at The University of Iowa School of Music. He is on the faculty of the Eastern Music Festival and the Stonybrook Summer Music Festival where he teaches and performs. A native of Honolulu, Mr. Arnone received his Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied with Colin Carr. He completed his master’s degree in conducting at Wichita State University.

Kate Vos

Kate studied at the Preucil School for 10 years. She received her Bachelor of Music and long-term Suzuki Pedagogy training at Western Illinois University with Prof. Tanya Carey. Kate completed her Master of Music degree in cello performance at the University of Michigan where she studied with Anthony Elliott. Kate has been teaching at the Preucil School for 8 years and is a member of the Preucil faculty quartet. She is also a member of the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra.




Laura Shaw

Laura is an alum of the Preucil School of Music. She received her B.A. at Luther College as a triple major in Music, French, and English. She received a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the Hartt School of Music. Ms. Shaw has won several awards, including the Luther College Concerto Competition, the Fort Dodge Concerto Competition, and the Pelzer Competition at the University of Iowa, where she currently is a doctoral student. Ms. Shaw has participated in numerous music festivals and master classes. She earned a two-year fellowship to attend the Aspen Music Festival, and was principal cellist of the Sinfonia Orchestra there. She is currently Assistant Principal of the Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra.

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.