See Distance Learning update: Fall 2020 Schedule
The Pre-Twinkle group program serves as an introductory period before committing to a schedule of individual lessons:
Group | Prerequisites | Purpose / Focus |
Parent Orientation |
Class observation within 2 weeks before or after | By appointment Suzuki overview – philosophy and practical applications Technique instruction Ongoing discussion group on music education and child development topics |
Pre-Twinkle A | Age 3+ and Parent Orientation | Sat 9:15-10:00 Social interactions, gross motor skills and fine motor skills activities, foundations for rhythm and pitch, etc. Listening, singing, and moving emphasized as basic tools for experiencing and making music |
Pre-Twinkle B | Kindergarten or by approval | TBD (Pre-Twinkle A also required) Technique instruction via short lesson segments during a time shared with other children Leadership role in Pre-Twinkle A |
(Transition to individual lessons) | When the pacing of longer individual lessons is appropriate for the child’s emotional, physical, and musical foundations OR if the parent wishes to continue with his/her own technique and share a lesson time with the child | |
(Siblings) | A younger sibling typically starts by sharing the older sibling’s lesson time or may join Pre-Twinkle separately |
The following violin groups are in addition to regular individual lessons:
Group | Prerequisites | Purpose / Focus |
Twinkle | “Getting ready” independently most of the time Twinkle Variation A independent At least 2 other Twinkle rhythms |
Sat 10:15-10:55 Introduction to using the violin in taking turns, listening, and following in a group Continuing development of musicianship through singing and moving Previewing future skills |
Book 1A | Twinkle variations polished Song of the Wind fluent |
Sat 10:15-10:55 Listening and following in a group Continuing development of musicianship through singing and moving Introduction to solo performing Reinforcing early/mid book 1 technique and musicality Previewing future skills Assorted activities to prepare music reading |
Book 1B | Perpetual Motion fluent | Book 1A schedule Continuing development of performing skills Introduction to visual rhythm and pitch patterns Introduction to reading and ensemble skills D major / transposition |
Book 1.5 | G major finger pattern, scale, arpeggio (Etude fluent) | Sat 2:05-2:45 Combined Orchestra by approval G major / E minor / transposition Fingerboard geography & note names Supplementary ensemble pieces Reinforcing mid/late book 1 technique and musicality Previewing future skills Introduction to music notation Introduction to leadership |
Book 2 | Musette fluent | Sat 1:30-2:00 on selected weeks (Primary/Combined Orchestra also required) Chamber Ensemble by approval Fingerboard geography & note names Supplementary ensemble pieces Reinforcing book 2 technique and musicality Previewing future skills Continuing development of reading and ensemble skills |
Book 5+ | By approval | Shared with orchestra/book 2 |
Orchestra | By approval & placement | Various Development of reading and ensemble skills in orchestral context (classical, contemporary, and traditional/folk selections) Beginning study of music theory/vocabulary and classical music history |
Music Enrichment & Literacy groups focus on reading and ensemble skills away from the instrument and are therefore open to both violinists and non-violinists:
Group | Prerequisites | Purpose / Focus |
Reading A | Violin: All Twinkles independent Other: age 5-7 & instrument experience |
Sat 11:00-11:45 on selected weeks Introduction to 1-, 2-, and 5-line staves Line vs. space notes, step vs. skip patterns, high and low melodic contour Note identification on treble staff (bass staff and grand staff as needed) Note identification on the instrument Beat and rhythm exploration using pitched and non pitched percussion |
Reading B | Violin: Perpetual Motion independent Other: age 8+ by approval |
Sat 11:00-11:45 on selected weeks (Combined Orchestra as needed) Rhythm writing and counting by various counting and syllable systems Preparation of percussion parts for Combined Orchestra Preparation for beginning string orchestra experience |