Congratulations to everybody who came to our workshop! Frances, Alondra, Ailyn, and Alejandro did a great job performing in the recital. Next time, we will be glad to have others who are prepared perform, as well. Well done!
The problem with review is NOT that students don’t want to do it. It is that it’s difficult to do it consistently throughout the Suzuki repertoire.
“Bucket” Review Technique:
Write all the pieces’ names on separate pieces of paper (or better yet, ping-pong balls), put them in a “bucket”. Everyday, have your violinist draw a few pieces of paper (or ping-pong balls) one at a time, reviewing each one, then, put the ones played in a second bucket.
When you’re through, change buckets and go through them again. When your child learns a new piece, add a new paper or ball with its name to the bucket. You can also include all of the pieces in the current book, and have your child LISTEN to it when it comes in the drawing.
This is the easiest way to “hit” all of the pieces before the “favorites” get played more, letting the others get relegated.
Happy practicing!
Rigo Murillo
If you started music lessons in grade one, or played the recorder in kindergarten, thank your parents and teachers. Those lessons you dreaded — or loved — helped develop your brain. The younger you started music lessons, the stronger the connections in your brain.
A study published last month in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that musical training before the age of seven has a significant effect on the development of the brain, showing that those who began early had stronger connections between motor regions — the parts of the brain that help you plan and carry out movements… READ MORE
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If you started piano lessons in grade one, or played the recorder in kindergarten, thank your parents and teachers. Those lessons you dreaded — or loved — helped develop your brain. The younger you started music lessons, the stronger the connections in your brain.
Feb. 12, 2013 — If you started piano lessons in grade one, or played the recorder in kindergarten, thank your parents and teachers. Those lessons you dreaded — or loved — helped develop your brain. The younger you started music lessons, the stronger the connections in your brain.
A study published last month in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that musical training before the age of seven has a significant effect on the development of the brain, showing that those who began early had stronger connections between motor regions — the parts of the brain that help you plan and carry out movements.
This research was carried out by students in the laboratory of Concordia University psychology professor Virginia Penhune, and in collaboration with Robert J. Zatorre, a researcher at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital at McGill University.
The study provides strong evidence that the years between ages six and eight are a “sensitive period” when musical training interacts with normal brain development to produce long-lasting changes in motor abilities and brain structure. “Learning to play an instrument requires coordination between hands and with visual or auditory stimuli,” says Penhune. “Practicing an instrument before age seven likely boosts the normal maturation of connections between motor and sensory regions of the brain, creating a framework upon which ongoing training can build.”
With the help of study co-authors, PhD candidates Christopher J. Steele and Jennifer A. Bailey, Penhune and Zatorre tested 36 adult musicians on a movement task, and scanned their brains. Half of these musicians began musical training before age seven, while the other half began at a later age, but the two groups had the same number of years of musical training and experience. These two groups were also compared with individuals who had received little or no formal musical training.
When comparing a motor skill between the two groups, musicians who began before age seven showed more accurate timing, even after two days of practice. When comparing brain structure, musicians who started early showed enhanced white matter in the corpus callosum, a bundle of nerve fibres that connects the left and right motor regions of the brain. Importantly, the researchers found that the younger a musician started, the greater the connectivity.
Interestingly, the brain scans showed no difference between the non-musicians and the musicians who began their training later in life; this suggests that the brain developments under consideration happen early or not at all. Because the study tested musicians on a non-musical motor skill task, it also suggests that the benefits of early music training extend beyond the ability to play an instrument.
“This study is significant in showing that training is more effective at early ages because certain aspects of brain anatomy are more sensitive to changes at those time points,” says co-author, Dr. Zatorre, who is also the co-director of the International Laboratory for Brain Music and Sound Research.
But, says Penhune, who is also a member of the Centre for Research in Human Development, “it’s important to remember that what we are showing is that early starters have some specific skills and differences in the brain that go along with that. But, these things don’t necessarily make them better musicians. Musical performance is about skill, but it is also about communication, enthusiasm, style, and many other things that we don’t measure. So, while starting early may help you express your genius, it probably won’t make you a genius.”
The above story is based on materials provided by Concordia University.
Journal Reference: C. J. Steele, J. A. Bailey, R. J. Zatorre, V. B. Penhune. Early Musical Training and White-Matter Plasticity in the Corpus Callosum: Evidence for a Sensitive Period. Journal of Neuroscience, 2013; 33 (3): 1282 DOI:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3578-12.2013
Credit: © Image Source IS2 / Fotolia
Aug. 7, 2013 — Listening to music activates large networks in the brain, but different kinds of music are processed differently. A team of researchers from Finland, Denmark and the UK has developed a new method for studying music processing in the brain during a realistic listening situation. Using a combination of brain imaging and computer modeling, they found areas in the auditory, motor, and limbic regions to be activated during free listening to music. They were furthermore able to pinpoint differences in the processing between vocal and instrumental music.
The new method helps us to understand better the complex brain dynamics of brain networks and the processing of lyrics in music. The study was published in the journal NeuroImage.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the research team, led by Dr. Vinoo Alluri from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, recorded the brain responses of individuals while they were listening to music from different genres, including pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, Miles Davis, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Shadows, Astor Piazzolla, and The Beatles. Following this, they analyzed the musical content of the pieces using sophisticated computer algorithms to extract musical features related to timbre, rhythm and tonality. Using a novel cross-validation method, they subsequently located activated brain areas that were common across the different musical stimuli.
The study revealed that activations in several areas in the brain belonging to the auditory, limbic, and motor regions were activated by all musical pieces. Notable, areas in the medial orbitofrontal region and the anterior cingulate cortex, which are relevant for self-referential appraisal and aesthetic judgments, were found to be activated during the listening. A further interesting finding was that vocal and instrumental music were processed differently. In particular, the presence of lyrics was found to shift the processing of musical features towards the right auditory cortex, which suggests a left-hemispheric dominance in the processing of the lyrics. This result is in line with previous research, but now for the first time observed during continuous listening to music.
“The new method provides a powerful means to predict brain responses to music, speech, and soundscapes across a variety of contexts,” says Dr. Vinoo Alluri.
By Rigo Murillo
I often see that successful music students and parents always manage to be well prepared for performances, auditions, and weekly lessons. They always have what they need when it comes to books, accessories, and all that’s needed to have a nice lesson time. But even the best well-intentioned student and parent may forget a thing or two that should be in their music tote bag. Even Yehudi Menuhin, the famous violinist of the twentieth century wrote in one of his books about what every violinist should have in his/her violin case.
For starters, here is a “musician’s tote bag kit” for you to think about:
String players, please add these:
I am sure that getting all these applicable accessories and necessities will make your practicing more consistent, successful and pleasant. It will at least impless your music teacher when an emergency comes up.
Happy practicing!
Rigo Murillo
Our goal is to foster a community of learning, love, appreciation and respect for music, and to promote early childhood intellectual, cultural and character development through the teaching philosophy of Talent Education.
We provide Suzuki violin lessons to children and adults, starting at three years old.
With the Suzuki Method, your child can successfully learn to play the violin beautifully by listening, imitating, and repeating sounds, just as we learn to talk.
In order to do this, we create a partnership between the teacher, parent, and child, inspiring a fine musical ear, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
We have a great commitment to the Suzuki Method philosophy, quality of instruction, and the highest standards of professionalism, with more than 25 years of experience and proven success in music performance and teaching young children.
With the Love Nurtured Music Program, children learn violin through both individual and group lessons.
Musical instruction consists of weekly individual lessons, as well as weekly group classes for every student in the program.
Parents receive all the necessary guidance and tools to help your child with daily home practicing, as well as to provide for the Suzuki violin music listening assignments.
No previous music or teaching experience is necessary.
In addition to individual and group violin lessons, students take music reading and theory instruction as part of their weekly individual music lessons and group classes.
This comprehensive approach assures that students not only play the violin beautifully, but that students also learn to read, write, and understand music notation and how music works.
The Suzuki music curriculum gives students a well-rounded music education that goes beyond the “typical” weekly private lesson.
Our curriculum has taken many of our former students to the heights of music performance. It is designed to take our music students to the highest levels of musical excellence.
The complete, all-inclusive Suzuki music curriculum includes:To learn more about Lessons, please click here.
Individual Lessons
The teacher, student, and parent meet twice each week. Once for an individually-focused lesson -one child at a time. While one, two or three children may be present at the same lesson, the teacher’s violin instruction is focused on one child while the other children and parents observe quietly, learning from the instruction. Children come also to their weekly Suzuki music class, appropriate to their level.
The length of the individual lessons may vary depending of the number, age and skill level of the children in the lesson, being from 30 to 90 minutes. Listening skills, posture, rhythm, and tone are developed. At home, the parent works with the child on daily violin practice and listening throughout the week.
During a child’s first semester of Suzuki violin lessons, lessons #1 – 3 may be dedicated mainly to instruct the parent to develop a rudimentary understanding of the violin. The child observes and participates in those lessons. After that introductory stage, the child becomes the main focus of the lessons.
Group Lessons
Essential to the Suzuki Method are weekly group lessons, where students listen to one another play, interact musically, work on violin technique, play musical games, learn theory skills, or loco-motor skills. Group lessons are part of the school year’s regular instruction. Other activities such as concerts, recitals, and workshops are also part of the program.
Music Theory
Music Theory lessons allow children to read and write music notation, to understand how music works and to hear and read is merely a means to an end – music students should be able to use their music theory skills to play their instrument in a more informed manner and to compose their own music.
Recommended Ages
Because of developmental differences in young children, Suzuki violin teachers recommend that children begin studying between the ages of two-and-a-half and six years old. Admission into the program may require a short meeting between the parent, child, and teacher to determine whether the program is what you and your child need. Additionally, parents receive training on the Suzuki philosophy and approach. Contact us to request more information.
How to Begin
Most Suzuki teachers recommend that parents and children observe several Suzuki lessons before registering. Parents take a course covering the basics of the Suzuki philosophy and principles of helping the child with daily practice. It is recommended that children younger than 4 attend at least a semester of early music education classes.
For further details on how to attend violin lessons and details describing the Suzuki Violin program, go to our contact page.
In the Love Nurtured Music Program, children learn to play an instrument through both individual and group lessons.
Musical instruction consists of weekly individual lessons, as well as weekly group classes for every student in the program. Additionally, there are planned concerts, recitals, and other group activities throughout the year.
In addition to individual and group violin lessons, students take music reading and theory instruction as part of their weekly lessons. This comprehensive approach assures that, students not only play their instrument beautifully, but that students also learn to read, write, and understand music notation and how music works.
The Suzuki music curriculum gives students a well-rounded music education that goes beyond the “typical” weekly private lesson. The Suzuki music curriculum has taken many students to the heights of music performance. It is designed to take our music students to the highest levels of musical excellence.
How Suzuki Music Instruction Works
The complete, all-inclusive Talent Education music curriculum includes:
- Weekly Individual Instrument Lessons
- Weekly Instrument-specific Group Lessons
- Music Notation & Theory Instruction
- Recitals & Performance Opportunities Through the Year
- Parent-Help Meetings to Maximize Your Child’s Music Learning
More Details:
Individual Lessons
The teacher, student, and parent meet each week for an individually-focused lesson -one child at a time. While one, two or three children may be present at the same lesson, the teacher’s violin instruction is focused on one child while the other children and parents observe quietly, learning from the instruction. The length of the lessons may vary depending of the number, age and skill level of the children in the lesson, being from 30 to 90 minutes. Listening skills, posture, rhythm, and tone are developed. At home, the parent works with the child on daily instrument practice and listening throughout the week.
During a child’s first semester of Suzuki music lessons, lessons #1 – 3 may be dedicated mainly to instruct the parent to develop a rudimentary understanding of the instrument. The child observes and participates in those lessons. After that introductory stage, the child becomes the main focus of the lessons.
Group Lessons
Essential to the Suzuki Method are group lessons, where students listen to one another play, interact musically, work on instrument technique, play musical games, learn theory skills, and learn locomotor skills. Group lessons are part of the regular instruction. Other activities such as concerts, recitals, and workshops are also part of the program.
Music Theory Lessons
Music Theory lessons allow children to read and write music notation, to understand how music works and to hear and read is merely a means to an end – music students should be able to use their music theory skills to play their instrument in a more informed manner and to compose their own music.
Recommended Ages
Because of developmental differences in young children, Suzuki music teachers recommend that children begin studying between the ages of two-and-a-half and six years old. Admission into the program may require a short meeting between the parent, child, and teacher to determine whether the program is what you and your child need. Additionally, parents receive training on the Suzuki philosophy and approach. Contact us to request more information.
How to Begin
Most Suzuki teachers recommend that parents and children observe several Suzuki lessons before registering. Parents take a course covering the basics of the Suzuki philosophy and principles of helping the child with daily practice. It is recommended that children younger than 4 attend at least a semester of early music education classes.
For further details on how to attend violin lessons and details describing the Dallas Suzuki music program, go to the contact page.
Very young children can be taught to play an instrument using the Suzuki approach. The child learns by listening, imitating, and repeating sounds, just as we learn to talk. The Suzuki music method takes children through music learning from infancy to excellence in music performance. The main purpuse of the Suzuki music lessons is to teach discipline, hard work skills, and a noble character to children.
The Suzuki Method creates a partnership between the teacher, parent, and child, inspiring a fine musical ear, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of music. The “Suzuki Parent” attends all individual and group lessons. Your Suzuki music teacher will give you all the necessary tools to help your child with daily home practicing, as well as providing instructions for the Suzuki music listening assignments. No previous music or teaching experience is necessary.
