"Nurturing the bud of ability in every child."
Cape Cod Suzuki Violin Instruction
- with -
Heather Swanson
508-685-4279
robheatherswanson@hotmail.com
Based in Centerville, MA, convenient to Rt 6 (exit 6), Rt 132 and Rt. 28.
Heather Swanson's years of training and experience, along with her enthusiasm, passion and love for music attests to her ability to teach the lifelong skill of playing the violin.
Philosophy: The Suzuki Triangle
Parent - Teacher - Student
A parent/guardian's role is to attend and take notes at weekly lessons, to give praise and encouragement, to remind students of their assignment and to set up a good environment at home for practicing.
The teacher’s role is to meet regularly with the student to review and refine previously learned songs. We learn new songs by tackling the “practice points” or new skills first.
The student’s role is to practice. I encourage all of my students to use simple kitchen timers to set the boundaries for practice.
Heather's Background and Experience:
Undergraduate studies at Boston University; Bachelor’s of Music Education from UMass, Lowell. Suzuki teacher training in Books 1 – 6 with Stevi Sandven, Michele George, Alan Lieb, Joanne Melvin and Nancy Jackson. Public School General music and strings teacher on Cape Cod for 15 years. Performances in chamber and orchestral setting including the Cape Cod Symphony and the Bridgeport Symphony in CT. Member of SAA and ASTA.
Fun at a group lesson!
Ready for recital time!
Ensemble playing:
Playing your instrument with other students is a joyful experience. It is the most gratifying reward. When you play in ensembles with other musicians you begin to appreciate all that goes into your effort and it is all so worthwhile. It truly is a gift you give to yourself and will last you a lifetime.
Lessons:
Private lessons are the heart of the Suzuki method and happen on a weekly basis. Please call 508 685 4279 to schedule your lesson. Group lessons are once a week alternating on Fridays and Saturdays.
Every 10 weeks the students will perform for family and friends. The summer session is 6 weeks long.
Lesson length is based on the age and current stamina of the student. Stamina needs to develop and will grow as time passes.
What is the "Suzuki" method?
The Suzuki Method is based on “Suzuki’s Great Discovery”.
1. No one tires of repetition of a particular word when teaching a baby to speak. “Mama” is repeated thousands of times.
2. The repetition for the child’s listening begins at birth.
3. Much praise is given the child when he says his first word.
4. Many opportunities are given for the child to perform.
5. No word is discarded. It is just added to the vocabulary.
6. Each word becomes easier to pronounce, and easier to remember.
7. We wait for reading readiness.
8. Many things can be enjoyed and new things learned because of their command of the language. (musical building blocks of knowledge.)*
These principals of language development are applied to the learning of music.
The Suzuki Method stands alone in the vast selection of teaching methods as one which lays a tremendous foundation for playing and enjoying playing right from the very first day. Skills are learned and reviewed as the students grows in their technique and repertoire. Each teacher brings their own “style” to the method. The Suzuki method and it’s worldwide community has enriched my life beyond measure.
*Source: SHINICHI SUZUKI: The Man and His Philosophy by Evelyn Hermann
For www.suzukiassociation.org, click here:
3 year old Caitlin!
