Group Classes: Starting Soon!
Group classes are a core component of any Suzuki program, and at Edmonton Suzuki Piano, they are an important benefit that sets us apart from other music programs. Group classes are supplementary to our individual lessons, but are still important in the musical education of our students. Some of the most important skills developed by musicians are rooted in these broad categories that we focus on in group class:
o Social – Friendship/Fellowship
o Listening/Musicality
o Ensemble Playing
o Pre-Reading Activities
o Basic Music Theory
o Repertoire Enhancement
o Performance Opportunities
o Leadership and mentoring skills
Obviously, the routes to achieving these goals vary from teacher to teacher and depend on the age and ability of the students. For example, music theory or ensemble playing look much different in beginner and advanced groups!
Sometimes, it can seem like a group of students is not at similar and is just too different to learn effectively. But it is important to remember that there are many ways to learn, and multiple paths to achieving goals.
“Let’s remember what Suzuki said, that “Children learn from one another.” An older student can play a piece that a younger student doesn’t know, inspiring him or her. A younger student may fearlessly participate in a creativity exercise, showing a more reserved older student that it’s not hard to try something new. Cognitive skills used in reading may be similar for a book 2 student as for a book 3 student, so it can make sense for such students to be in the same group. An older student can learn about being a mentor to younger students, offering encouragement, and demonstrating how to break a challenge into small enough steps, the same way that he or she learned these skills from the teacher. And a younger student can learn about perseverance from an older student.
Every child brings their own unique skills and personality to groups, and we as teachers and parents can celebrate that. And when we notice skills and good behaviour, and beautiful tone and good bows and smiles in performances, and sharing and moments of kindness, and do not focus on where someone is in the repertoire, the students also learn to accept each other without labelling. When a student helps another student with a footstool, or compliments another on their solo performance, or helps the teacher by picking up game pieces, these are also important parts of group class.”
Tim Eckert, Twinkling the Ivories, April 2017
Group classes will begin shortly in most studios, and parents will be notified of their student’s schedule soon. Contact Kim at 780.488.0548 if you need more information about your student’s group class.