Wayland School of Music Starts Intro to Suzuki Violin Classes

Photo credit: Wayland School of Music Facebook page

Wayland School of Music’s “Introduction to Suzuki Violin” group class is aimed exactly at the age group of 5-6, and its 12-class pilot program this summer was a resounding success – all the students signed up for continuing classes in the fall.

Now a new 12-week session for 5 - 6 year olds is starting up on Sep. 23, offered by Wayland School of Music through the Wayland Recreation Department.

The Suzuki violin program has a 60-year history of success with young children, but has never before been available right here in Wayland. Wayland School of Music’s Director Penny Wayne-Shapiro, a former first violinist with the London Philharmonic who moved to Wayland and founded WSM in 1997, decided it was time that changed.

So why is this such a great age to start? Brain receptivity to language and music is at its peak at age 4 to 6, and young children’s supple tendons and ligaments adapt more easily to playing violin. Waiting until third or fourth grade misses the prime age for beginning an instrument!

“My daughter’s interest in musical instruments was slowly nurtured at home until a 5th Grade Orchestra visited her Pre-School. When I saw the flyer for the beginners’ Suzuki class I knew it was the perfect time. I feel fortunate that she has this opportunity while her enthusiasm is fresh.” ~ Mother of V, age 5

WSM’s “Introduction to Suzuki Violin” classes are built on creative and playful activities, alternating between exercises, movement, and song. Teacher, child and parent (or caregiver) are partners – but parents need no prior experience, as they learn the concepts along with their child and partner with them at home. Plenty of fun is had! - and meanwhile students are building a solid violin foundation.

An average five-year-old with a parent partner will be able to play two to three songs with ringing tone and great posture after 12 weeks of class.
Classes are led by veteran Suzuki instructor Breana Bauman, a “Suzuki kid” herself who spent years training intensively in the method with Suzuki Association leaders in the US and Europe, then taught alongside them in Chicago before moving to Boston.

“Breana has superb pedagogical skills that allow her to quickly connect with children and excite them about violin! My daughter has learned a lot, but what’s maybe even more important is that she has developed a deeper love for the instrument and music in general. It is telling that my daughter regularly asks if she can have violin lesson every day!” ~ Mother of A, age 5

Interested? For more information about the upcoming group class, about Suzuki education, and for the link to registration, visit here. Class size: minimum 4 students, maximum 6 students

Fee: $295 for 12 classes, including instrument rental (provided at first class).
Location: JCC Pre-school building, Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland.

Article submitted by Penny Wayne-Shapiro, director, Wayland School of Music