NWA Suzuki School Of Music
About
Suzuki Lessons
When you choose to attend music lessons with the Northwest Arkansas Suzuki Strings (NWASS), you get much more than just a weekly private lesson. Here is a list of some of the services you will receive when you enroll:
Private/Semi-Private Lesson
Group Lesson
Performance Classes
Parent Education
Studio Recitals
Special Events
Accompaniment Services
Individual Parent Support
Private/Semi-Private Lesson
This is what everyone thinks of when they think of “music lessons”. This is a once-a-week lesson where individual attention is given to the student and their musical advancement. Very few educational opportunities dedicate individual attention to each student. Students will learn how to play their instrument, how to problem solve, and how to reproduce musical pitch, both with their instrument and their voice. Lessons also teach basic music theory, composition, improvisation, study skills, time management, note reading and music appreciation. Our music lessons focus on the Suzuki repertoire, but other styles of music are often incorporated, including fiddle, chamber, popular, jazz and improvisation, and orchestral music.
Group Lesson
Once a week, students will have an opportunity to play with their peers in a social environment. Group lessons reinforce what students have learned in private lessons. In addition to reviewing material, classes will focus on technical development, performance preparation, and ensemble-playing skills.
Performance Classes
These classes will give advancing students more opportunity to practice performance skills on their solo and ensemble repertoire. Students will perform, then receive instruction and guidance on technique, musicality, stage presence, and professionalism. Ensembles will have performance opportunities in class as well as in a variety of community settings.
Parent Education
All new parents are required to attend a Parent Education classes that highlight all important aspects of the Suzuki approach, as well as offer insight into parent-child relationships. Opportunities will be available for parents to meet in a setting that provides group and peer support for home practice. Since parents will be involved with all aspects of their child’s music education, these meetings give everyone an opportunity to share ideas both from the teacher and other successful parents.
Studio Recitals
At least two times each school year we celebrate our hard work through studio recitals. Recitals are special occasions where students play with a piano accompanist and experience what it is like to perform alone on stage. All students should plan to participate in Studio Recitals. Other performance opportunities will be made available in group settings throughout the community.
Special Events
Holidays and seasonal events enable us to perform as a group, as well as to reach out to the community. Among these events are the annual Spooky Suzuki Concert, String Fling, and a variety of Christmas activities, such as playing at local nursing homes and the Bentonville Christmas parade. Students are also encouraged to participate in a 2-day Winter Workshop held in February with special guest clinicians.
Individual Parent Support
Teachers are available by phone and email to answer parents’ questions and to provide them with support, advice and motivation for their child’s music education.