“I believe that every student can learn to play the violin or viola at a very high level. I strive to help each student learn good habits right from day one. Through attention to precision and detail students develop an ethic of excellence. As students develop technical skill on their instrument they are introduced to note reading as well as playing with emotion and musicality to help develop a well-rounded musician.”
— April Losey
Principles of Suzuki Method
“Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.”
Either the mother or father is chosen as the Parent Partner and attends all lessons and practices with the child daily. The most important single ingredient for success is the parents' willingness to devote regular time to work closely with the child and the teacher.
Begin early - ages 4-7 is ideal.
Give positive encouragement and create an enthusiastic learning environment.
Music reading is postponed until the child's aural and instrumental skills are well established - just as we teach children to read a language only after they can speak.
Mother-tongue approach - just as babies learn to speak their native language by listening, so children can learn music by listening. Suzuki students listen daily to a CD recording of the pieces they will learn.
Every child gets a weekly group lesson as well as a weekly private lesson. Group lessons are key to motivation - students that do not play in a social setting almost always quit the instrument.
Complex tasks are learned through breaking them into small steps and then using repetition to achieve step by step mastery.
Visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas for more information.
Starting Lessons
I hope to better acquaint you with my program as you consider a commitment to providing this education for your child.
Prior to full-fledged enrollment in the program, interested families complete an orientation period, which helps you to determine if this program is the right fit for your child and family. There is no charge for the orientation period, nor is there any obligation for participants in the orientation period to commit to full-fledged enrollment afterward. A complete orientation period must include all of the following activities:
Read through studio policies: Studio Policies
Learn about the Suzuki Method (see above)
Observation (with your child) of group classes
Observation (with your child) of private lessons
Studio orientation meeting with April Losey to discuss any additional questions you may have.
At studio orientation meeting April will size your child for an instrument and discuss lesson times. (Please do not get an instrument until you have met with April.)
Please note, observations and orientation meeting must be done by the parent who will be the practice partner, attending lessons and practicing daily with the child.
For information on where and when to observe the program, you may call April Losey for information at 909-213-2699 or e-mail at aprillosey@hotmail.com.
I look forward to meeting you and answering any remaining questions.