Frequently Asked Questions
Lisa playing when she was five years old.
Question: Are Suzuki children musical prodigies?
Answer: Fortunately, Suzuki violin students are normal children whose parents may have little or no musical experience. Their parents have simply chosen to introduce them to music through the Suzuki approach.
Question: How young can my child and I start Suzuki violin lessons?
Answer: The average starting age of a Suzuki violin student is between 4 and 7 years old; however, it is never too late to start. The earlier students begin, the more the violin becomes a part of their lives.
Question: Do I drop my child off at his lesson or stay in the lesson with him?
Answer: Participation from the parent is critical in the development of the child's musical ability. Parents attend lessons, take notes for the child, and guide practicing at home each day. Parents find bonding with their children at home through music as one of the most enjoyable aspects of Suzuki violin!
Question: I would like for my child to be exposed to many different genres of music. Will she learn other styles in addition to classical music?
Answer: Lisa is a bluegrass and country fiddler as well as a classical violinist, and she loves to incorporate alternative styles into lessons and group classes. Her students study bluegrass music, folk tunes, and popular hits along with their classical music. Click here to view Lisa's series of books titled "Fiddlin' Favorites," licensed by the International Suzuki Association.
Question: My five-year-old says he wants to play the violin now, but could this be a phase? Will he lose interest over time?
Answer: The Suzuki violin philosophy is designed specifically so that young students and their parents can learn to incorporate violin into their daily lives and commit to a long-term, exciting musical journey. During lessons, we play games and move in small steps in order to avoid the "this is hard" mentality that sometimes comes with learning an instrument. Because a child is starting at such a young age, the violin will be much more than just something he can do. --- It will become a part of who he is.
Question: Will my child have any performance opportunities?
Answer: Yes! Lisa holds an average of two events each semester as part of your program. Past performances have included appearances at Mt. Pleasant Farmer's Market, assisted living facilities, solo concerts, small ensemble events, and seasonal town festivals. Students always look forward to these concerts! Group lessons are also great "mini-performances" in order to prepare for concerts and events.
Question: How much time is involved in the Suzuki program?
Answer: Beginning students start with one 30-minute individual lesson per week and five group lessons per semester. Initially, practice time at home will be no longer than 10 minutes per day, and you will add 5-10 minutes for each year your child has studied. Private lessons may increase to 45 minutes when your child gets older as well.
Question: Can my child and I come to a group lesson and see what Suzuki violin is all about?
Answer: Yes! In fact, Lisa asks that all prospective parents and students attend at least one group lesson before joining the program. This gives families a realistic idea of what their children will be doing after they sign up for lessons.
Question: What supplies will I need to have for my child's lessons?
Answer: For a number of weeks, young children will play on a homemade violin that Lisa will help you make (see photo gallery). This helps develop posture, rhythm, and technique, so you do not need to purchase an instrument. When your child is ready, Lisa will guide you through the process of obtaining an instrument, and new parents wait until they have talked with Lisa before purchasing it. You will also need two music books and a practice notebook that Lisa will tell you more about.
Question: Where will my child and I go for lessons?
Answer: Private lessons occur at Lisa's home in Snee Farm (Mt. Pleasant), and group lessons are held at Seacoast Church in Mt Pleasant.
Question: My child has a younger sibling who is not yet able to sit quietly on his own. Will other arrangements need to be made during weekly lessons?
Answer: Parental involvement is important for a beginning Suzuki violin student. In order to provide the best possible instruction for your child, it is recommended that younger siblings stay home until they can sit quietly and observe the lesson. This enables the Suzuki parent to be fully immersed in the experience.
Question: Will my child learn how to read music?
Answer: Yes. Lisa incorporates music reading into weekly lessons when a student is ready. Children learn to read words after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children will establish musical technique and ability before being taught to read music. Different children begin reading music at different times, and Lisa will determine when the time is right for your child.
Question: I understand that listening daily to the Suzuki music is part of the learning process. When is a good time to listen to the music?
Answer: The music that your child will be learning is played constantly as part of your daily routine. You can play the music during car rides, while eating meals, and when your child is waking up or going to sleep. The Suzuki approach encourages "wallpaper listening," which means children do not need to be silent when listening. Playing the music during conversations and activities is still highly productive.
