Baby Classes
The earlier the child starts lessons, the more the child will achieve.
~ Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Baby with Mom or Dad Classes
Parents (either mom or dad) come together weekly with their babies from age 6 weeks. We encourage the use of the voice to develop a sense of rhyme and language. Enjoy watching your baby develop recognition of rhythmic awareness, songs, rhymes, and social skills. We help parents build a repertoire of lullabies, rhymes and action songs. Suggestions are made for both reading and activities that can be done at home.
Prep Classes for Music Lessons
Preschoolers from 3 years to 5 years of age meet together for one hour each week to participate in art, music, language and science activities. Children develop abilities in memory, coordination, quick response, careful observation and take pride in accomplishment. Parents develop observational skills as they watch their own and other children progress. Handouts each week outline Suzuki background information and developmentally appropriate activities to try at home. Parents become experts in observing their children and are able to help their child in a natural appropriate way at home. When students and parents are ready, they begin observation in one of the Suzuki instrumental music studios. Parents will also receive practical advice on such topics as: how to choose an instrument and recommendations regarding the commencement of lessons.
Additional Information on Prep Classes:
Since we believe ability develops at an early age, it is recommended that Suzuki instrumental lessons begin when the child is as young as three or four years old. Therefore the period of time in the prep class is limited, and varies with each family. Once in the prep program, parents decide which instrument the child will study. If desired, arrangements can be made for the families to observe lessons in each of the instruments offered at CTEC. There are also regular opportunities for attending recitals and concerts to see performances by teachers and students, which may assist in choosing an instrument. If it hasn’t already begun, listening to the book one recording of the Suzuki repertoire in the chosen instrument is crucial at this time and continues throughout the instrumental study.
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The preparatory class is one hour long, with a variety of activities (sitting on the floor and active movement) in which both parent and child participate.
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Parents and child should wear comfortable clothing.
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Prepare your child for the class by talking about and engaging in the past week’s activities.
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Plan in advance to arrive punctually for the beginning of class so that your child doesn’t feel “left out” of an activity.
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Bring a binder and notepaper for recording observations and storing handouts for use at home. Use your binder at home to record observations, questions that arise, or ideas to share with the class.
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We welcome visitors to the class. However, we recommend that arrangements be made with the prep class teacher, or through the CTEC office before the day of the class.
Suzuki Parent Education
CTEC's goal is to ensure the best possible start for each family beginning lessons. It is required that all families entering CTEC complete orientation programs that will help in providing a solid foundation for the successful development of the child's potential in the instrumental lesson.
Parents of the child between the ages of 6 & 13 complete a three class Suzuki Parent Education Session prior to the commencement of instrumental lessons.
During this 3-class seminar, Suzuki-trained teachers lecture on the Suzuki Method. This workshop is given to ensure that new CTEC parents have the necessary tools for a successful music experience for the child.