Frequently Asked Questions

1) My child is eager to start, and I’m looking to procure an instrument for their lessons. Where do I begin?

Before you begin lessons, it’s important that you check with your child’s teacher about obtaining an appropriate instrument. For example, the teacher will determine the correct size violin, viola, or cello for your child. While some music shops may offer to “size” your child, this process should be done by the teacher. Additionally, your child may start on a “box” instrument to learn the basics of posture, instrument care, and the parts of your instrument. By checking with the teacher, they will let you know the specifics of what your child will need, as well as when you will need this by. 

There are many places that one can rent or purchase an instrument from. Your child’s teacher will have recommendations for you to choose from. Having an instrument that is properly set up will make a tremendous impact on your child’s success. Unfortunately, there are a great number of “violin-shaped objects,” or “VSOs,” that are available for purchase. These instruments may be made from poor materials, contain defects in the bridge, fingerboard, pegs, and tailpiece, or may even be unable to play at all. From the first moments that your child plays an instrument, we want them to be set up for success! Having a quality instrument of the right size is a critical component to this.

2) I’m new to the idea of the Suzuki method. Where should I start?

We’re glad that you’re interested in learning about the Suzuki method! We would encourage you to visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website (https://suzukiassociation.org/). You should start with the page labeled “About the Suzuki Method.” There is also a section labeled for “Parents” that contains a lot of helpful information.

Your child’s teacher will ask you to read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki. This book is a foundational text that explains how this method came to be, as well as the ideas upon which it is rooted. AOM owns several copies of this book that you may borrow, or you may consider purchasing your own copy.

Lastly, part of the process for starting lessons is to first observe a Suzuki group class and a Suzuki private lesson. Seeing how the instruction takes place will provide some key insights into the method. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions, as well as to meet other families who are involved in the Suzuki method. You can read more about setting up observations here.

3) I notice that there’s information about both private lessons and group classes on the AOM Suzuki website. Can you explain these different classes? Can my child do private lessons without group class?

Enrollment in the Academy of Music’s Suzuki program includes weekly violin/viola/cello lessons, as well as a weekly group class. Private lessons include the student, teacher, and parent (also known as the “Suzuki Triangle.”) This is where students receive individualized instruction in how to learn the instrument. 

Beginners begin group classes in the second semester of their learning. (For example, if a student begins private lessons in the Fall semester, they will begin group class in the Spring.) Group classes serve as an opportunity to further the skills learned in the private lesson, as well as to develop other important abilities, such as collaboration, teamwork, ensemble skills, and more. Students will review some pieces they are working on in lessons, and may also learn new repertoire that will be performed at Winter and Spring concerts. Group classes meet on Thursdays between 4:00-8:00pm, and your child will be assigned to a group class that meets for 40-60 minutes during that time. 

The Suzuki method emphasizes the necessity of group instruction alongside private lessons. Therefore, we require that all AOM Suzuki students participate in both private lessons and group classes. 

4) What supplies do we need for lessons?

Each of our teachers will have specific instructions about what supplies your child will need for their first lesson. It is important to check with them before making purchases. However, here is a general list of what they may need in addition to their instrument.

1. The International Edition book for Violin School Vol. 1, Viola School Vol. 1, or Cello School Vol. 1
2. The audio recording for Violin School Vol. 1 (by Hilary Hahn and Natalie Zhu), Viola School Vol. 1 & 2 (by William Preucil), or Cello School Vol. 1 & 2 (by Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi)
   1. Listening to these recordings will help your child learn these songs quickly, as well as get the sound of high-quality violin playing in his ear! Listening is a critical part of the Suzuki approach. Your child should start listening to these ASAP. If they have their own device where they can listen to these (tablet, etc.), feel free to put them on that. These also make good car listening, through a Bluetooth speaker at home, etc. We can talk more about strategies for that in lessons. The link above is for Apple Music, but the recording can also be obtained by Amazon Music or Alfred Music. It can also be purchased in CD format.
3. Notebook: This will be for keeping track of notes from our lessons. Any type of notebook will work (composition book, spiral notebook, etc.), including if you have one around the house that’s not being used.
4. A pen or pencil for taking notes
5. A tote bag that will be the dedicated “Suzuki bag”
6. A folder to keep handouts or extra materials: You will receive lots of these!
7. Nurtured by Love (Revised Edition) by Shin’ichi Suzuki: This book is the foundational text of the Suzuki method and really explains why Suzuki teachers teach in such a way. The teacher and parent will also discuss chapters of this throughout the first year of study. We have linked here to Alfred Music, but feel free to purchase elsewhere!
8. CELLO: The beginning cello setup is specific and needs to be measurable and repeatable. The following supplies will be needed if your child has chosen to play cello:
   1. Adjustable cello stool/chair – Budget Friendly Option, Adjustrite Cello Stool
   2. Cello strap – Xeros Endpin Anchor
   3. Footchart (will be provided by your teacher)

5) What are the expectations for parents in the program?

Creating an interest in music and a good ear are the main jobs for the Suzuki parents. It is up to the parents to see that the child listens to music recommended by the teacher every day. Before a child is asked to play a piece, they should have it thoroughly ingrained in their mind. It is much easier for the child to play after it is already memorized. Later, the ear and the child’s intuition will be so well-trained that they may be able to play a piece even before it is presented. Your teacher will recommend various concerts and workshops that you and your child might enjoy. There are many concerts and recitals available for free in and around Hampton Roads.

Parents attend each private lesson and take notes, preferably using a spiral or 3-ring binder, at every private lesson. The notes are for your use so writing down the assignment and, more importantly, notating “how” to implement the assignment is vital. Parents are required to attend weekly group classes with their child and to participate as instructed by the teacher.

6) How much should my child practice?

Daily practice, even for a short time, is essential. As the child’s attention span and music repertoire grow, so does the amount of practice time. This is ideally a time of learning together, when the parent is creative and nurturing, as parent and child work together on the practice assignments from the lesson. The goal is for the child to eventually practice on their own, as independence and ownership are encouraged from the beginning.