Crow Cello Studio is a Suzuki-based program.

A Suzuki-based program has:

-An artist-teacher with registered Suzuki pedagogy training who is committed to excellence in musical education for children of all ages/backgrounds. 

-A community of parents/students who believe that the study of music is a valuable lifelong skill.

-Private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities for all students. 

-An emphasis on enjoyable learning and using music for connection with others.

What is the best age to begin?

Every child is different in temperament, physical development and focusing abilities, so the age of readiness will be specific to them. If you are unsure, I recommend that you observe (to see what is expected of young students) and schedule a one-on-one consult. If your child is not ready to begin the cello right away, it is still beneficial to get them involved in/exposed to as much music as possible. Attend concerts, sing, play Music Mind Games, and listen to the Suzuki Cello School recordings.

Why do very young students begin learning without the cello?

The very youngest students (ages 3-7) begin working with a practice bow to train the bow hold first. This hand shape is very specific and takes many successful repetitions (a minimum of 500) before it is strong enough to be maintained while simultaneously balancing the body, holding the cello, and learning pieces.

Why is one-on-one instruction important?

Working closely with one student at a time allows the teacher to get to know the details of learning style(s) and personality, as well as develop a bond of mutual trust and respect. The study of music is so nuanced and detailed that students progress much more rapidly, build better skills, and derive more enjoyment when they are given tailored instruction.

What are the benefits of group class?

Crow Cello Studio holds bi-monthly group classes on Saturday mornings during the school year. Participation is strongly encouraged for all active studio members. Group classes are a unique feature of the program and provide students with valuable ensemble experience, as well as opportunities for serving our greater community with our art.

What are the benefits of recitals?

Crow Cello Studio holds two solo recitals each season, with additional community performances throughout the year.  Regular recitals give students valuable performance experience from the very beginning, allowing us to celebrate and share our learning progress.

Are students in a Suzuki-based program taught only by ear?

The Suzuki Method places a large emphasis on training the ear, and students continue listening to their pieces and strengthening their ear training throughout their education. Reading and theory are also extremely important components of the musician's skill set, and are introduced at a time deemed appropriate by the teacher (see below).

When do you begin reading music? 

Reading readiness is specific to each child and often determined by the level of physical ease/technical proficiency with the instrument. Most students are doing preliminary reading by the end of the first year, but everyone is different. However, all students begin pre-reading activities from the very first lesson: singing solfege, rhythm work to train the ear and organize the body, pitch recognition and fingerboard geography games to forge connections between written symbols and their locations on the cello, and learning the musical alphabet. 

Pre-Enrollment

Step 1: All new families observe one group class and one private lesson (you are always welcome to observe more). Observations provide an opportunity to see the studio culture and dynamics between parent/teacher, child/teacher, and student/student. 

Step 2: Schedule a consult lesson

Program Expectations

Parent Responsibilities

-Find a teacher who is the right fit for your child

-Respect the student and their learning style

-Respect the teacher, their expertise and process

-Obtain the necessary materials to set the student up for success

-Take clear/concise notes or video that can be referred to at home

-Ask questions

-Attentively support the teacher and child during lessons

-Create a home environment that is conducive to effective practice

-Create a home routine that facilitates daily practice

-Facilitate regular attendance at lessons and group classes

Student Responsibilities

-Respect yourself: cultivate integrity and honesty

-Agree to create a habit of daily practice

-Respect the teacher, their experience and knowledge

-Respect the parent and their contributions to make your music education possible

-Respect your instrument

-Respect your peers

-Respectfully contribute your musical ideas/thoughts/opinions

-Listen attentively to your teacher/parent/recordings

-Be receptive to new ideas: beginner's mind

-Be comfortable with repetition and small steps to achieve big goals

Teacher Responsibilities

-Respect the student and their learning style

-Respect the parent, their process, and their knowledge of the student

-Develop short- and long-term goals 

-Lesson plan to ensure logical progression from week-to-week

-Keep detailed records to chart progress and ensure continuity

-Clearly communicate weekly expectations and assignments

-Supply at-home practice support: charts, videos, notes

-Thoroughly know the standard cello repertoire 

-Explore new and uncharted cello repertoire 

-Curate knowledge of new techniques/ideas/methods/styles

-Continue to educate yourself

-Continue your development as an artist