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Preparing for Suzuki Lessons
All of the information on this page is also available as a download as a Microsoft Word file or as a PDF file. This is a copy of a printed letter that we send out to prospective parents. Information on the costs of studying at Lauderdale can be found on our fees page.
It is vital that prospective parents understand the philosophical basis of the teaching method that they have chosen for their child, in this case the Suzuki method. We therefore feel that all parents should read "Nurtured by Love" and/or "Ability Development from age Zero" by Shinichi Suzuki. These books can be obtained by mail order from the British Suzuki Institute by calling 020 7471 6780 between 9.30am and 1pm. You may also find them in your local library.
Concerts and Events
All prospective students and parents are very welcome to attend any concerts and events that we have. For details on these please see the concerts page.
Observation
Observation is the beginning of your musical studies with your child. It gives you an opportunity to meet and talk to Suzuki parents. This is the best way for you to find out about the benefits of the method and what your role as a parent would be. It also gives you a chance to watch different teachers and to assess whose approach might best suit you and your child. Lauderdale term dates for this year are available on the schedules and dates page.
Violin and Viola Observation
Group lessons take place most Wednesday afternoons during term time at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 and 86 Cromwell Ave N6 (one block from Lauderdale House). Lessons begin at 3.15 pm with the youngest group of beginner violinists and progress through to the most advanced groups at 6.00pm. The following are the best classes to observe:
| Time | Venue | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 3.15 | Gallery | Violin Beginners |
| 4.25 | Gallery | Violin Intermediate |
| 4.15 | 86 Cromwell Avenue (a 5 minute walk from Lauderdale House) | Viola |
You are welcome to observe any Group Class as often as you like and there is no charge. Please sign the register each time you come. This is kept on the desk in the front hall. You will need to observe lessons for at least a term before being eligible for an opening with one of the teachers.
Children who participate in these classes all have a private Suzuki teacher. We wish to stress that the Suzuki method is NOT a group teaching method. Each child has weekly individual lessons (usually at their teacher’s house) and these are supplemented by the group lesson and music reading classes at Lauderdale.
Listening
Having read Dr Suzuki’s book and started observing classes, we would like you to start daily listening to the CD or tape of the Suzuki repertoire of your chosen instrument. This can be obtained from the British Suzuki Institute (see above for details). For violin we recommend Book 1 performed by David Nadien. Please get into the habit of playing the CD every day so that you and your child become familiar with the repertoire. CD's are available from the British Suzuki Institute by calling 020 7471 6780 between 9.30am and 1pm.
Practice Preparation
In order to prepare yourself for the time when you will need to practise daily with your child, it would be extremely helpful if you could set aside a small amount of time every day to do an activity together, for example, reading, painting or doing a puzzle.
Sumics
We run a special class for little children before they learn an instrument. This is called Sumics and is taught by Patty Armstrong at 4.25 on the landing. Cost £100 per term.
Starting Individual Lessons
Jane Afia is coordinator for families observing at Lauderdale House. After the end of each term she will refer to the register and contact families who have been observing for 6 or more sessions during the previous term. When a lesson time does become available, it might not be one that will suit you best. It may mean taking your child out of school for a while or re-arranging your schedule. Please remember that many teachers teach 40 or more students per week and it is impossible to give everyone a lesson at the most popular times such as just after school. We therefore advise you to take the time offered or it may be impossible to arrange lessons for your child.
Questions?
Teachers are very busy on Wednesday afternoons and have not got enough time to answer all your questions. If you go to the Café you will meet parents, some of whom have been involved in the Suzuki Method for many years, who will be very willing to answer your questions and tell you about their experiences! If you have any questions for our teachers please contact Sara Hayes, the Lauderdale administrator, who will be happy to pass your question on.