Questions and Answers
What is "Suzuki" or "Mother Tongue Method"?
See below for a list of books about the Suzuki method of teaching. Teaching practices that are basic to this training are:
- To begin study as early as 4 years of age
- To emphasize the importance of the parent's role as "home teacher"
- To follow the pattern of learning shown to us through mastery of language
- To use graduated repertoire and accomplish mastery before moving on
- To strive to make this family experience rewarding and positive
- To emphasize the importance of ear training by listening
Books that explain the Suzuki Method
- "Nurtured by Love" by Dr. Suzuki
- "Ability Development from Age Zero" by Dr. Suzuki
- "To Learn with Love" by Dr. Suzuki
- "Where Love is Deep" by Dr. Suzuki
See additional recommended reading by clicking here.
What Instruments can my family chose from?
Families are invited to attend repertoire and private lessons to help orient them to the program and help with instrument decision. We offer violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, classical guitar and piano. We strongly encourage multiple children in a family to choose their own instrument.
How old do you have to be?
Students can range in age from 4 to 17.
How do I register?
Registration is accomplished by mail. Parents must complete the registration form, one per student, and submit the form and full session tuition plus the registration fee to the office. Lessons will not begin until the registration form and tuition are received. Every effort will be made to admit a student.
Click here to register
What does "registered" mean to me?
After the payment and registration form are received, the administrator will set up a private lesson time with your teacher. Every effort will be made to admit a child in to the program and accommodate schedules. If a child cannot be placed, the check will be returned. With admission, parents/guardians agree to attend the New Parent Class, attend all group and private lessons with his/her child, and agree to supervise the childŐs daily practice and listening.
Click here to register.
Tell me about the "New Parent Class"
SMSB offers a new parent class, designed to help each Suzuki family gain as much from the program as possible. Parents have two orientation classes in the fall.
What is required of a parent and how much time is involved?
Parents will attend weekly private lessons with their student. They will also attend repertoire and reading classes as scheduled throughout the year. Practice is done on a daily basis with the parents as the at home teacher. Practice should be as long as the lesson. Parents are also responsible for immersing the family in the Suzuki repertoire by playing the Suzuki CDs at least one hour per day. To maximize the "Suzuki" experience parents must educate themselves in the method and continue to re-vitalize themselves regularly.
What is "repertoire"?
Repertoire is a motivating, instrument-specific, group class that enhances each student's musical experience by hearing themselves and other performers within the context of a larger group. Students develop ensemble skills which are the foundation for performance. Performers will develop their own non-Suzuki music collection in addition to their regular Suzuki books.
Where and when are lessons and repertoire classes taught?
Private lessons for students are taught weekly at the Barrington Middle School Station Campus, or at the Instructor's home, or at other locations arranged by the Suzuki office. Lessons are scheduled through the Suzuki office or the private teacher. Repertoire classes are held on Wednesdays at Barrington Middle School Station Campus.
Performance Opportunities
Performance is a key factor in motivating students. Two solo concerts are required of all students. Once qualified, students perform in the annual holiday concert and the spring group performance. In addition, some students perform in the Young PerformerŐs concert, for community organizations, home concerts and in concert tour groups. Students also perform in a chamber string orchestra.
Click here for more details on performance opportunities.
What can we do until lessons begin?
Listen to music, classical, jazz, fiddle; enjoy the variety and see what your child prefers. If an instrument has been chosen, purchase and listen to the Suzuki Book 1 CD of the instrument. Immerse your family in the Suzuki repertoire.
Set aside a daily time to do "something Suzuki" with your child and follow through on a daily basis. Read any/all books on the Suzuki Mother Tongue method. Check your library, some suggestions include:
- "Nurtured by Love" by Dr. Suzuki
- "Ability Development from Age Zero" by Dr. Suzuki
- "To Learn with Love" by Dr. Suzuki
- "Where Love is Deep" by Dr. Suzuki
See additional recommended reading by clicking here.
Transferring Suzuki students
Transfer students from other Suzuki programs are always welcome. Parents will be asked to attend the "New Parent" class as a refresher and as an orientation to the SMSB program.
What is the cost of this education?
Tuition (10 week payment) is paid on 4 scheduled tuition dates. There is a late fee if not paid on time. Families are expected to continue lessons all 4 sessions. Tuition pays for the private lesson, and the scheduled repertoire classes. There is a sibling discount when a 2nd, 3rd or 4th child are in the program. In addition to tuition, other financial commitments include providing a proper sized, well-adjusted instrument for your child to play, purchasing the appropriate music books, and Suzuki CDs. The SMSB program also strongly encourages parents to support the Barrington Suzuki Strings parent organization by making a yearly financial tax-deductible commitment, so that all BSS benefits will continue to all families.
What type of classes are available?
Students are enrolled in two types of weekly classes: private lessons, and an appropriate repertoire class. All classes are necessary for long-term growth of our students, and these classes provide the basis for the student's success.
Private lessons
These are held weekly and require the parent/practice partner to be in attendance. The purpose of the private lesson is to learn the skills required to play the specific instrument, to develop technique and musicality, and to develop the student- parent-teacher relationship. Students also develop memory skills, concentration, problem solving skills and a sense of accomplishment. In consultation with the parent, the teacher determines lesson length. The person practicing with the student should attend all lessons and use their SMSB practice book to take notes.
Repertoire Class
All students participate in these large group classes. Repertoire class provides motivation to students because it enhances each student's musical experience by hearing themselves and other performers within the context of a larger group. They also learn from watching others and performing solos. They develop a feeling for ensemble playing and increase awareness of pitch, rhythm, beat and musicality. These classes are the foundation for performance. Students also develop patience, attention span and respect for their peers and teachers. Parents in the lower levels are required to attend class, participate when asked, and take notes for assigned homework.
Barrington Youth Orchestra
See the School News section for information on the Barrington Youth Orchestra