Frequently Asked Questions
Lisa playing when she was five years old.
Question: How old should my child be when starting Suzuki violin lessons?
Answer: Students begin the Suzuki violin program with Ms. Lisa between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. The Suzuki philosophy is based on ear training and early development, and the younger students begin, the more developed their ear training skills become, similar to learning their first language by speaking it at a very early age.
Question: How much time is involved in the Suzuki program?
Answer: Beginning students start with one 30-minute individual lesson per week and one 40-minute group lesson per week. Initially, practice time at home will be no longer than 10 minutes per day, and you will add approximately 5-10 minutes of daily practice for each year your child has studied. Group and private lesson times may increase when your child gets older as well.
Question: What is the yearly schedule?
Answer: The fall semester begins the week after CCSD school begins and includes 14 private lessons, 15 group classes, and 2 special performances. The spring semester begins the week after CCSD resumes and ends in mid-May. It also includes 14 private lessons, 15 group classes, and 2 special performances.
Question: Do you give lessons in the summer?
Answer: Yes. Lessons are given to returning students and are scheduled individually based on the student's availability. Students take a minimum of 4 lessons, but more may be taken.
Question: My child is only 2, but I know we'd like to do violin through the Suzuki program. Should I wait and contact you when he/she turns 4, or ask about the program now?
Answer: Please contact Ms. Lisa as soon as you know you are interested in Suzuki. She has limited availability, and will put you on the waiting list to keep you informed of openings and other important information. The earlier you get in touch, the better!
Question: What is the location of the lessons?
Answer: Private lessons are held near Beckham High School (Mt. Pleasant), and group lessons are held at Sunrise Church on Sullivan's Island.
Question: When are the lessons and classes?
Answer: Group classes are held Tuesday afternoons, with different levels starting at 4:00 pm. Your private lesson time is assigned to you on another day depending on mutual availability.
Question: How long can my child participate in the Suzuki program?
Answer: The Suzuki program is designed to be long-term for your child. Ms. Lisa offers many levels of study, including advanced ensemble programs. Students also begin practicing and participating in group lessons independently from their parents in the later stages.
Question: What are the benefits of choosing the violin?
Answer: There are many opportunities for young violinists in the Lowcountry! Violin is a portable instrument that can be played outside, taken on trips, and is very lightweight. Many schools in our area have orchestra programs where Suzuki students can develop leadership skills and become role models. Students can even audition for youth orchestras and fiddling contests as well as perform their favorite songs in school talent shows.
Question: Do I drop my child off at his lesson or stay in the lesson with him?
Answer: The Suzuki method is a parent/child program where the student and parent learn together! The Suzuki parent attends both the private and group lessons, takes notes for the child, and guides 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: As a child, I did not have any musical training (or fairly little). Will I still be able to help my child at home each day with practice?
Answer: Yes! Lisa works directly with the parent and student during your weekly lessons and group classes. You will learn the concepts along with your child and feel confident working together at home!
Question: I would like for my child to be exposed to many different genres of music. Will he/she learn other styles in addition to classical music?
Answer: Lisa is a bluegrass, country, and rock/pop 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 four-year-old says he/she wants to play the violin now, but could this be a phase? Will he/she 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.
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 and parents always look forward to these concerts! Group lessons are also great "mini-performances" in order to prepare for concerts and events.
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 all prospective parents and students to attend and observe two group lessons before joining the program. This gives families a realistic idea of what their children will be doing when they sign up for the program.
Question: Should I buy a violin before starting lessons?
Answer: Please do not buy a violin until after you talk with Ms. Lisa. She will guide you through the process of obtaining the appropriate violin and materials for your child.
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, parents make other arrangements for younger siblings 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 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 highly productive.
Answer: Students begin the Suzuki violin program with Ms. Lisa between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. The Suzuki philosophy is based on ear training and early development, and the younger students begin, the more developed their ear training skills become, similar to learning their first language by speaking it at a very early age.
Question: How much time is involved in the Suzuki program?
Answer: Beginning students start with one 30-minute individual lesson per week and one 40-minute group lesson per week. Initially, practice time at home will be no longer than 10 minutes per day, and you will add approximately 5-10 minutes of daily practice for each year your child has studied. Group and private lesson times may increase when your child gets older as well.
Question: What is the yearly schedule?
Answer: The fall semester begins the week after CCSD school begins and includes 14 private lessons, 15 group classes, and 2 special performances. The spring semester begins the week after CCSD resumes and ends in mid-May. It also includes 14 private lessons, 15 group classes, and 2 special performances.
Question: Do you give lessons in the summer?
Answer: Yes. Lessons are given to returning students and are scheduled individually based on the student's availability. Students take a minimum of 4 lessons, but more may be taken.
Question: My child is only 2, but I know we'd like to do violin through the Suzuki program. Should I wait and contact you when he/she turns 4, or ask about the program now?
Answer: Please contact Ms. Lisa as soon as you know you are interested in Suzuki. She has limited availability, and will put you on the waiting list to keep you informed of openings and other important information. The earlier you get in touch, the better!
Question: What is the location of the lessons?
Answer: Private lessons are held near Beckham High School (Mt. Pleasant), and group lessons are held at Sunrise Church on Sullivan's Island.
Question: When are the lessons and classes?
Answer: Group classes are held Tuesday afternoons, with different levels starting at 4:00 pm. Your private lesson time is assigned to you on another day depending on mutual availability.
Question: How long can my child participate in the Suzuki program?
Answer: The Suzuki program is designed to be long-term for your child. Ms. Lisa offers many levels of study, including advanced ensemble programs. Students also begin practicing and participating in group lessons independently from their parents in the later stages.
Question: What are the benefits of choosing the violin?
Answer: There are many opportunities for young violinists in the Lowcountry! Violin is a portable instrument that can be played outside, taken on trips, and is very lightweight. Many schools in our area have orchestra programs where Suzuki students can develop leadership skills and become role models. Students can even audition for youth orchestras and fiddling contests as well as perform their favorite songs in school talent shows.
Question: Do I drop my child off at his lesson or stay in the lesson with him?
Answer: The Suzuki method is a parent/child program where the student and parent learn together! The Suzuki parent attends both the private and group lessons, takes notes for the child, and guides 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: As a child, I did not have any musical training (or fairly little). Will I still be able to help my child at home each day with practice?
Answer: Yes! Lisa works directly with the parent and student during your weekly lessons and group classes. You will learn the concepts along with your child and feel confident working together at home!
Question: I would like for my child to be exposed to many different genres of music. Will he/she learn other styles in addition to classical music?
Answer: Lisa is a bluegrass, country, and rock/pop 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 four-year-old says he/she wants to play the violin now, but could this be a phase? Will he/she 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.
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 and parents always look forward to these concerts! Group lessons are also great "mini-performances" in order to prepare for concerts and events.
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 all prospective parents and students to attend and observe two group lessons before joining the program. This gives families a realistic idea of what their children will be doing when they sign up for the program.
Question: Should I buy a violin before starting lessons?
Answer: Please do not buy a violin until after you talk with Ms. Lisa. She will guide you through the process of obtaining the appropriate violin and materials for your child.
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, parents make other arrangements for younger siblings 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 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 highly productive.
Suzuki student performing at her school talent show!
