Suzuki Piano Program for ages 3 and up

Suzuki Piano Program

Suzuki Piano Instruction

PSPA offers weekly individual instruction in the form of 30, 45, or 60-minute individual lessons and monthly group lessons. All teachers are members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association (GPSA), and the Suzuki Piano Basics Foundation.

Tuition for students in the individual lesson program includes:
◊ A weekly lesson of either 30, 45, or 60 minutes, or, for very young children, a shared 45-minute lesson with another student of similar age and level.
◊ Weekly improvisation class or musicianship class.
◊ Opportunity to participate in one master class annually with Piano Basics Master Teachers from around the world who have completed the Suzuki Method teacher study program in Matsumoto, Japan.
◊ At least two recital opportunities made available each year.

Materials required for this program are: Thoughts on the Suzuki Piano School, by Haruko Kataoka and Nurtured By Love, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (for parent reading), Suzuki Piano School, Book One (there are several editions; any is fine), and Suzuki Piano School Book One CD, recorded by Haruko Kataoka (there are several recordings by different artists, so be sure to specify this one!). An economical source is www.young-musicians.com.

Referring to Haruko Kataoka’s “How To Teach Beginners,” throughout the course of book one and book two study will give parents even more information about practicing at home and the progression of pieces and skills developed.

Some wonderful information about the Suzuki Philosophy can be found here. Writings by Haruko Kataoka about How To Teach Beginners may be found here.

For more information about Suzuki Piano Basics and what to expect studying the Suzuki Method, please see: http://coresuzukipiano.net/pages/pianobasics.html; http://www.hagbergsuzuki.com/faqs.html

Group Lessons offer students the opportunity to play for and listen supportively to each other on a regular basis. Children who play for others regularly from a young age generally are able to adapt to performing in more formal settings quite readily. Students also learn good stage presence and listening skills. Music theory concepts are playfully introduced in this component of Suzuki Piano instruction. Group lessons meet monthly from September through June.

No additional materials are required for this class.

Piano Improvisation Class develops confidence in one’s creativity and the ability to relate to music on a deeper level than is usually attained through the practice of composed music alone. Young music students who learn to improvise on their instruments begin to listen to their playing in a new way, simply because while improvising, they’re taking direct ownership on all levels for creating that sound. This way of listening and enjoyment of music carries over into the repertoire they study as well.

While the focus is on improvising at the piano, various rhythm instruments, vocals, and body percussion will also be used. Students explore their personal creative expression in sound in this weekly 45-minute class. (For students not enrolled in the Suzuki Piano Program, this class is offered as three eleven-week sessions. It is possible to join mid-session.

Strongly suggested materials: Musical Improvisation for Children, Book One (with CD included), by Alice Kay Kanack (currently published by Summy-Birchard).

For new Suzuki piano students (generally age 3 and older), the 45-minute Beginners’ Suzuki Piano Class is available. Students and parents learn to sing the repertoire in Book One of the Suzuki Method, and the solfège system of singing is introduced. In addition to continuing to develop rhythm and tonal skills, children begin to learn the basics of stage presence, good posture, and clear tone on the piano in a supportive, playful environment. This is an ideal way to introduce young children to the piano, as everyone learns not only from active participation but also from listening and watching others. This class meets weekly for three eleven-week sessions from September through June.

While a well-tuned acoustic piano and adjustable bench/footrest is required for the individual lesson program, families may begin the Beginners’ Suzuki Piano Class before acquiring these items.

Materials required for this class are: Thoughts on the Suzuki Piano School by Haruko Kataoka and Nurtured By Love, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (for parent reading), Suzuki Piano School, Book One (there are several editions; any is fine), and Suzuki Piano School Book One CD, recorded by Haruko Kataoka (there are several recordings by different artists, so be sure to specify this one!). A good source is www.ymonline.com.