Learning to Play,
Playing to Learn
Every Child Can Learn - it takes patience, support and a positive environment
The goal of music lessons is not to create professional musicians, but rather to create superior, well-rounded human beings through careful practice and the attention to detail that learning a musical instrument provides.
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Students as young as 5 and as old as 68 have been part of my studio in the thirty years of teaching I have done. From private lessons to group settings - chamber ensemble, flute choir, flute group classes - I aim to create a learning environment that can be an exciting musical adventure!
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Before lessons begin, it is important to talk with you and find out what works best for your situation - everyone is busy and depending on the age of the child, how we approach the learning can make the difference between fun and frustration.
Suzuki Philosophy
Having observed Suzuki principles in action while studying at Brandon University, I began training as a Suzuki Flute teacher and have been continually impressed with the attention to excellence and the focus on 'every child can' learn that this approach takes.
Shinichi Suzuki observed that all children learn to speak their Mother tongue. Children grow up hearing their language spoken constantly. Mothers encourage their children to talk with much repetition, encouragement and praise. They learn to speak before they learn to read. With this basic realization the Suzuki approach was born. He applied this realization to teaching the violin, and over the years the approach has been developed for flute, cello, viola, double bass, piano, guitar, harp, trumpet, organ, singing and recorder.
The basic principles are:
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All children have ability
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An early start is beneficial, as is the case with learning language
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Each child progresses at their own pace
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Small steps are mastered so the child can move forward with success
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Regular group playing and concerts
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Positive attitude
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The parent/care giver is at the lessons and is the home teacher
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Regular listening to the repertoire and other quality recordings of the instrument
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Reading music starts a little later than playing, depending on the age of the child
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Review - keeping a repertoire of pieces where musicality and new techniques and skills can be mastered
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Links of interest:
Suzuki Association of the Americas
CONTACT ME to discuss lesson options