LESSONS
At Edmonton Suzuki Piano School, each student will participate in individual lessons with their teacher and regular group lessons with a teacher and a small group of peers.
Individual Lessons
Individual lessons begin and end with a bow between the student and teacher. This formally marks the time spent with the teacher and is a sign of respect to both student and teacher. Families signal their daily practice at home in this way, too, with parent and student bowing at the beginning and end.
Suzuki students learn the notes of a piece at home, with their parent's help. During the individual lesson, teachers will go over tricky aspects of playing and finer details. Parents will observe the teacher closely, taking detailed notes about particular practice points. These notes serve as a guide in the daily practice time at home.
Group Lessons
ESPS students attend group classes with other students of a similar age and skill level. Teachers use various techniques in these classes, including infusing a lot of fun through games and activities. Parents typically attend group lessons with younger students. They observe the games and can integrate them at home to enhance practice for their child. Older students generally attend group classes alone. Typically, group lessons last for one hour. They are held in different parts of the city, in teacher studios or at Suzuki Charter School. Suzuki piano teachers stress the importance of these group lessons to a students musical education for several key reasons:
Since pianists typically practice by themselves, group lessons give students a chance to meet and socialize with other piano students.
Many theory concepts are more efficiently taught to groups of students, saving individual lesson time for focus on personal development.
Group classes provide pianists with experience playing piano with others, which is vital for ensemble performance and accompaniment.
Group classes focus on general concepts rather than the improvement of particular pieces. Some examples are:
Ear training
Coordination of body and technique development
Music reading
Ensemble playing (duets, trios, two pianos and eight hands)
