MacPhail Center for Music
Suzuki Guitar
Fall 2010
Dear New Suzuki Family:
Welcome to the MacPhail Suzuki Program! We are glad your family will become a part of our musical community.
All new parents entering our program participate in a semester-long
parent education program. This time is devoted to the
parents’ understanding of the Suzuki method, and will prepare you
for a rewarding Suzuki experience for years to come.
Suzuki education differs in some important ways from traditional music
lessons. One unique element is the role of the parent. We rely on the
“Suzuki triangle,” a term used to describe the three
essential partners in the learning process: a trained Suzuki teacher,
the child, and the parent. The Suzuki parent’s job is to become a
“home teacher” who understands the philosophy, the
instrument, the teacher’s goals and methods, and the
child’s learning needs. The daily practice sessions and music
listening environment created by you at home are critical factors in
the success of the Suzuki method. This course is designed to help new
parents get the information they need in order to fulfill this teaching
role.
· The New Parent Class meets De LaSalle High School, 1 De La Salle Drive, Minneapolis 55401.
· The first parent class meeting will be from
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 25. At this meeting we
will watch a video on the life and work of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and hand
out parent class materials.
· September 25 is also Parent Open House Day
for MacPhail Suzuki parents. There will be a variety of events from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. that you may wish to attend.
· The remaining class meetings will take place
from 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. at De La Salle. The dates are: October 9,
October 23, October 30, November 6 and November 13.
· There will be reading, observations and
assignments each week, from September 25 to November 13, including
those weeks when there is no class meeting.
· Attendance at all sessions of the class is required.
· The class involves observing Suzuki lessons, reading, writing and discussion.
· Your initial lessons with your private
teacher will be devoted to working with the teaching parent. Your
teacher will help you to understand the basics of the instrument you
have chosen for your child. You will need an instrument for yourself
for these initial lessons. Please contact your studio teacher for
assistance with selecting your instrument. FOR PIANO FAMILIES: You must
have a piano before lessons begin. Electronic keyboards are not
acceptable. FOR ALL OTHER INSTRUMENTS: Do not purchase an instrument
for your child without prior discussion with your studio teacher.
· Your child will begin private lessons when
your studio teacher feels you have mastered the basics of the
instrument.
If you have any questions about any of these aspects of the parent
education workshop, please email Linda Trygstad at
trygstad.linda@macphail.org, or call 612-321-0100, extension 510.
Fees for Suzuki lessons at MacPhail are paid by the semester. There are
a required number of lessons in fall and spring terms, plus a number of
summer lessons to be arranged with your teacher. Summer lessons are an
integral part of the year and are not optional. Suzuki fees cover
weekly private lessons, group lessons, an individual recital each
semester, and group class recitals each semester, as well as the Parent
Class. Please phone Student Services at 612-321-0100, extension 0, if
you have questions about fees or payment.
We look forward to seeing you at De La Salle High School on Saturday,
September 25 at 9:00 a.m. There will be signs posted on the doors of
the school telling you the room number for the New Parent Class.
Sincerely,
Katherine
Wood
Linda Trygstad
Director
Program Assistant