This is the second year that the Spokane Youth Symphony has provided a class for beginning string students. Each of our five instructors, led by program director, Vanessa White, are experienced teachers in the Suzuki methodology. The Suzuki philosophy is a method of instruction that relies on the supportive collaboration of students, teachers, and parents for the success of each student. Similar to how children learn their first language, Suzuki students will master the skills of their instrument through lots of listening and playing from memory. The class is intended for beginning violin, viola, and cello students in grades 3-5. Through the collaboration of teachers, students, and parents, most SYSA students will be prepared to audition for Spokane Youth Strings after two years in the program. Each class includes large group instruction, followed by small masterclasses for individualized instruction.
Weekly classes take place on Monday evenings during the school year, from 6:00-7:30 pm. It includes a large-group class for the first portion of the evening, in which fundamentals of violin, viola, and cello are taught. Instruction in note reading takes place through through fun games and the recognition of patterns, along with learning pieces aurally. Next, smaller master class groups with each of the teachers (Alexis Andrus, Mary Beth Cullitan, Madeline Smith, and Anna Seppa). The teachers instruct in a more individualized format about best playing techniques and skills to prepare students for our Strings orchestra.
Parental involvement is required and is crucial to the success of the program. The Suzuki methodology teaches that creating a safe and supportive learning environment is of the greatest importance for the success of each student. Listening to musical recordings is considered as important as practicing in the child’s daily routine. Recordings that include songs that the student is learning to play is required listening. Parents are responsible to schedule a time and place for the student to listen and practice each day. Repetition is emphasized regularly in the class for both the listening and practicing aspects of the training. Many repetitions of each piece and activity has proven to be a cornerstone for the effectiveness of the instruction.
Parents learn alongside their child and act as their note taker, practice partner, and support person inside and outside of the class. Student daily home practice is expected and required, and parents are responsible to help their child to establish practice as a habit. Helpful tools are provided by the class teachers, such as practice charts and ideas for a positive experience at home.
We are excited about the future impact this class will have on young students who experience the Suzuki Academy adventure! Enrollment details for the fall of 2025 SYSA class will be announced in coming months.