Stages of the Suzuki Method

Stage 1: Prenatal Music Classes
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Recent research indicates that babies have astonishing mental abilities before they are born. Dorothy Jones, Suzuki Early Childhood Educator and long time advocate of music for very young children, is convinced that society must focus on the development of progress for new parents - a kind of preventative approach which will give first time parents suggestions about enhanced communication with the unborn child. Using music to establish a strong and loving bond between unborn children and their parents can benefit the emotional and intellectual growth of the baby. This course will also help parents to create an enriched learning environment after birth.

"One of the findings ... Is the early development of highly organized and remarkable artiulate speech of those children who have been exposed to prenatal music stimulation." -- Shelter, Donald J., "The Inquiry into Prenatal Musical Experience" Music and Child Development

Stage 2A: Baby / Toddler Classes: 0-3 years
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After the birth of your baby, consider Baby to Toddler Classes. These classes develop and promote listening skills and language acquisition as well as developing early music skills. The curriculum includes lullabies, nursery rhymes and action songs for babies and toddlers. Parents are encouraged to use the recording of this curriculum at home regularly. Infants and toddlers learn through the senses and through social interaction. A musical environment filled with songs and rhymes will train the ears and musical senses of babies. Children learn language (the mother tongue) through listening and imitation in the beginning stage. It is a joyful experience and this can be the way with all learning.

"Sung music is the most pleasurable for babies. Singing combines speech with music and provides a level of intellectual and emotional experience for the parents and babies that language alone cannot provide. Music is primarily processed in the right hemisphere of the brain, and speech in the left for most people, so singing stimulates pathways for hemispheric interaction." -- Leon Thurman

Stage 2B: Pre-School Classes: 2.5-5 years
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Pre-school Music classes are thought of as bridge classes from the Baby/Toddler class to instrumental classes. For the children who have not had the opportunity to be part of Baby/Toddler class, or whose parents have not made the decision to continue to instrumental classes, the intent of the class is to use music to develop their listening skills, further develop their language skills, and continue to increase their ability to concentrate. For the children who have attended the Baby/Toddler music class this, this class with further develop the skills mentioned previously, as well as develop new skills with age appropriate activities.

Stage 3A: Piano Prep Classes: 3 + UP
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All parents of children in the Piano Prep class are required to attend 4 parent only classes which will include: (1) Suzuki Method and Philosophy (2) Expectations at lessons and home study (3) Lessons on the twinkle (4) Teaching points for vol. I

Stage 3B: Piano (Instrumental) Classes
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Suzuki instrumental lessons incorporate the Suzuki philosophy, listening, tonalization and musical skills. Through the study of music, students develop confidence, self esteem, concentration skills and the determination to try difficult things. Each week the parent and child attend and observe a private lesson and observe another student lesson.