The opportunity to take private violin and/or viola (string) lessons are available for students in grades 1-8. Lessons are arranged with the string instructor during the regular school day and group practices are held after school. The program includes one 20 or 25 minute private or semi-private lesson and one group class weekly. String students have several concerts and recitals.
Registration
To register for strings, contact Maria Gesiorek at (262) 796-3942 ext. 262. String fees are collected in September and January for the full school year. Summer lessons are available.
The school year is divided into two semesters, with 14 weeks of lessons in each semester. Parents are welcome to observe lessons at any time. Private lessons during school are scheduled by the student's homeroom teacher. Group lessons are held after school on Monday from 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. in the Presentation Hall.
Instruction
The strings program is based on the world reknowned "Suzuki Talent Education" program. The method, founded in the 1960s by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan, incorporates the use of smaller-sized instruments, listening to recordings, and parent-supervised practice at home.
The philosophy of the string program is that every child has the potential to play a musical instrument, and to gain in ability through the study of music. The Suzuki method involves teaching students a musical piece "by ear", using only the name of the four strings and four fingers by number.
Beginner students (first two years), have a 20 minute private lesson and 40 minute group class offered weekly. Parents are encouraged to attend the lesson if possible. The parents help and involvement is an important part of practice time at home.
Intermediate students have a weekly, semi-private 20 minute lesson (two students in a classroom) as well as a 40 minute group class. Students are paired according to their playing ability and work pace.
Advanced students (in Book 4) have a 20 minute private and 40 minute group lesson each week.
Materials Needed
Instruments may be owned or rented from any music store. Instrument demonstrations are held in early September during the new parent meeting. Contact the school secretary for information regarding the Strings - New Parent Meeting. Students are required to have:
instrument
music stand
music books (Suzuki Violin or Viola School, Volume 1 and Essential Elements 2000 (w/DVD) for strings or viola, Volume 1)
Audio tape or CD (recommended)
Notebook (May be a 8 1/2 x 11" tablet with some clean pages).
Enthusiasm and patience!
A pocket folder will be given to each student at the first lesson.
Practice
Beginning string students practice 5-10 minutes, 5-6 days per week minimum. As students progress, they will need 20-30 minutes daily. Students are required to keep track of practice time on a practice chart (provided). Parents initial each week of practice.
1755 N Calhoun Rd | Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 796-3940 parish (262) 796-3942 school www.stjohnv.org
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