Piano
Piano lessons may begin as early as age 3. The first 6-8 weeks are part of the "Pre-Twinkle" program where rhythm, pitch, motor skills, music alphabet, basic music terms and hand/arm technique are practiced and reviewed daily. Once the child masters these beginning steps, he/she is moved to the piano where they work on key recognition, balance, hand placement, tone and finger/key coordination. Each small step is a great accomplishment at this age and with the parents help at home, the child continues to advance and increase in their ability.
Older beginners generally begin their lessons at the piano the first day. They practice their basic skills with short songs and technic skills before moving into the first piece(s) in Suzuki Book I.
Additional solo and technical repertoire may be added as needed for Junior Festival, Piano Ensemble Festival, Musicianship Exams, school or church programs and the Halloween Recital Party. Technical skills such as penta scales and triads are incorporated at the earliest levels. Depending on the intermediate and advanced student's lesson length and weekly assignments, duet reading may be included in the lesson for sight reading and ensemble practice.
All Suzuki students, no matter their skill level, are invited to attend a Suzuki Institute. These family music camps are held throughout the United State and Canada during each summer and are one week in length. The 2009 Institute list will be announced in February.
Required Materials
Suzuki Piano Book
Suzuki CD for current book level
3-ring binder with notebook paper for parent's notes and extra handouts
Technical studies such as Fingerpower, Hanon, Burgmuller, etc.
A foot bench for home (younger students whose feet do not yet reach the floor)
A seat pad (for younger students)
Metronome
Music Dictionary
Parental Reading
'Nurtured By Love' by Shinichi Suzuki
'Ability Development from Age Zero' by Shinichi Suzuki
'Suzuki Piano' by Haruko Kataoka
Suzuki Journal and Music Journal articles (available in the studio)
Please Note: If you purchase a piano through Craig's List or the newspaper, it is recommended that you hire a piano technician to inspect the instrument prior to purchase. I strongly encourage families to purchase or rent an instrument directly from a local, reputable dealer so that it comes with a warranty and at least one free tuning.
