The North Shore Suzuki School was formed by Paul and Florence Sulkin in 1974, in order to provide the community with string instruction based on the innovative teaching methodology of Japanese string teacher, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Ever since opening its doors, the school has offered an outstanding, comprehensive music program for hundreds of successful violin, viola and cello students. The Suzuki method allows for beginners of any age, from three years of age on. All students, whether they are new Suzuki beginners or continuing students from either Suzuki or traditional instruction, may enroll in the school.
The school offers a comprehensive instructional program.
1. Private Lessons:
The heart of the Suzuki approach is the weekly private lesson involving
the child, parent and teacher. It is here that the child is introduced
to the skill of violin playing in an environment of ongoing praise
and encouragement from the teacher. The child progresses at his or
her own natural pace, with new skills introduced as earlier ones are
improved and refined. The parent also receives instruction and suggestions
for practicing with the child at home.
2. Group Classes:
Once a week in small groups, the children again have the opportunity
to reinforce the skills being developed in the private lesson, in a
situation that still offers individual attention. The children of course
enjoy the experience of playing with other youngsters and participating
in the many group activities that make up a Suzuki group lesson.
3. Recitals:
All the children participate in the Suzuki style Recital at which many
of the selections are played. Each student joins in playing the songs
that he or she has learned. Recitals are held twice yearly, at the
end of each semester. Additional performances are often scheduled by
the school and/or by individual staff members.
4. Parents Meetings:
These meetings afford the parent the opportunity to discuss and share
with others their experiences as Suzuki parents. These meetings may
provide solutions for common problems as well as provide a wealth of
new ideas for home practice with the child.
5. Reading Class:
Music reading is an important part of the regular program of instruction.
However, students may also attend additional, supplementary reading
classes. These classes are formed at the beginning and intermediate
levels. As soon as they are ready, students are recommended for these
classes by their teacher. This additional reading experience helps
students to more fully participate in all the musical activities available
to them.
6. String Ensembles:
The string ensembles provide the opportunity for students to come together
to read, rehearse and perform orchestra literature at every playing
level. Non-Suzuki students may also audition to become members of these
groups.
Stradivari Strings - This is the introductory
orchestra, designed for young students with little or no string
ensemble playing experience. Students should be in Suzuki Book
2 and should have some basic music reading skills. The group
prepares and performs a variety of musical styles, at the beginning
level.
Eroica Preparatory Orchestra - The
Eroica Chamber Orchestra provides a more advanced string
orchestra, appropriate for students in grades 3 - 8
who are playing at NYSSMA levels 3 - 6. The orchestra
performs challenging original and arranged string ensemble
literature.
Suzuki Chamber Orchestra - The chamber
orchestra is an advanced level string ensemble for students
playing at the NYSSMA level 6 and 6+ level. The group
reads, prepares and performs a wide variety of the major
string orchestra repertoire from the Baroque to the
contemporary.
Students are invited to join a string ensemble as soon as they have sufficient
basic reading skills.
7. Make-up Lessons:
Teachers will monitor and, where possible whithin their schedules, arrange
make-up lessons. Any possible make-up lessons will be offered by your
teacher, but only for those lessons cancelled in advance for legitimate
reasons. Cancellations for other student activities (e.g., sports activities,
other types of lessons, etc.) will not be made up. We encourage you
to arrange in advance to switch lessons with another family whin you
know a conflict is coming. The teachers will help in finding other
students with whom you may switch lessons. You may also call Florence
or Paul for assistance. Any lessons missed because of teacher absence
will, of course, be made up.
MAKE YOUR LESSON AN IMPORTANT AND REGULAR EVENT
8. School Closings:
In case of severely inclement weather, tune to WALK(97.5 FM) for information
about closings. Please do not call the church or pre-school. Suzuki
School does not automatically close when a school district closes.
We may delay our decision until later in the morning, while school
districts must decide very early in the morning.
PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR RADIO
You can contact the school using the following:
The main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings. That is sufficient. If this is not their greatest hope, in the end the child may take a road contrary to their expectations. Children can play very well. We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also.
Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.”