PRIVATE LESSONS: Weekly lessons of 45 or 60 minutes are taught on an Estonia grand piano (during COVID this will be your home piano). Sixty-minute “buddy” lessons for two children in the same family are also offered at the elementary level, provided both children participate for the full hour.
PRACTICE AND LISTENING: Students will practice every day and listen to the recordings every day. Rule-of-thumb is that the length of daily practice should be the same as the length of the weekly lesson, though it is better to have a short practice once in a while than to skip a day. Practice charts to keep track can be provided by the teacher or created by parents to suit individual needs.
GROUP LESSONS: Group theory and performance classes for two age groups are held once a month, usually the first Saturday (see calendar). These are included in the tuition (see schedule). If a student is unable to attend any group class, some extra time will be spent on theory at their next lesson
STUDIO ETIQUETTE: Students and parents arrive five minutes early and wash (or sanitize) hands before playing. There will often be observers, and observation of other students’ lessons is warmly encouraged. The parent of young Suzuki students watches and takes notes, and will act as the “home coach” between lessons. Observers, including young ones, are expected to be silent and respectful during others' lessons.
MAKEUP LESSONS. Missed lessons are forfeited unless you can trade times with another family or make a special arrangement 24 hours in advance. (A parent is always welcome to take the lesson in lieu of a sick child.) One makeup lesson per semester will be scheduled, usually on a Saturday. The teacher will make up any lessons that she misses.
SUMMER SESSION: Lessons may be scheduled according to family and teacher’s vacation plans. Once the plan is made, the summer lessons are paid in advance at $55 for 45 minute lessons and $72 for hour-long lessons.
MATERIALS: All students purchase: the Suzuki Piano School books with CDs; Previews by Rebecca Stout for Suzuki books 2 and 3. Note reading method books complementing the Suzuki curriculum will be assigned when students begin Book 2 (or sooner in some cases). Small children need footrests and piano bench cushions. Families must have an acoustic piano kept in tune and good repair, or, for beginners, a good quality digital piano with weighted keys.
GRADUATION: As a student completes a book (all pieces memorized and polished) they perform them as a set for the teacher and may advance to the next book. Individuals may also celebrate their graduations with a party, playing at a retirement home, or many other options.
INSTITUTES AND WORKSHOPS: All students are eligible for events sponsored by The Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area (SAGWA), including weekend workshops that may occur during the school year.
PRACTICE AND LISTENING: Students will practice every day and listen to the recordings every day. Rule-of-thumb is that the length of daily practice should be the same as the length of the weekly lesson, though it is better to have a short practice once in a while than to skip a day. Practice charts to keep track can be provided by the teacher or created by parents to suit individual needs.
GROUP LESSONS: Group theory and performance classes for two age groups are held once a month, usually the first Saturday (see calendar). These are included in the tuition (see schedule). If a student is unable to attend any group class, some extra time will be spent on theory at their next lesson
STUDIO ETIQUETTE: Students and parents arrive five minutes early and wash (or sanitize) hands before playing. There will often be observers, and observation of other students’ lessons is warmly encouraged. The parent of young Suzuki students watches and takes notes, and will act as the “home coach” between lessons. Observers, including young ones, are expected to be silent and respectful during others' lessons.
MAKEUP LESSONS. Missed lessons are forfeited unless you can trade times with another family or make a special arrangement 24 hours in advance. (A parent is always welcome to take the lesson in lieu of a sick child.) One makeup lesson per semester will be scheduled, usually on a Saturday. The teacher will make up any lessons that she misses.
SUMMER SESSION: Lessons may be scheduled according to family and teacher’s vacation plans. Once the plan is made, the summer lessons are paid in advance at $55 for 45 minute lessons and $72 for hour-long lessons.
MATERIALS: All students purchase: the Suzuki Piano School books with CDs; Previews by Rebecca Stout for Suzuki books 2 and 3. Note reading method books complementing the Suzuki curriculum will be assigned when students begin Book 2 (or sooner in some cases). Small children need footrests and piano bench cushions. Families must have an acoustic piano kept in tune and good repair, or, for beginners, a good quality digital piano with weighted keys.
GRADUATION: As a student completes a book (all pieces memorized and polished) they perform them as a set for the teacher and may advance to the next book. Individuals may also celebrate their graduations with a party, playing at a retirement home, or many other options.
INSTITUTES AND WORKSHOPS: All students are eligible for events sponsored by The Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area (SAGWA), including weekend workshops that may occur during the school year.