Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong offers Suzuki instrumental instruction in:
“Twinkle” Students
The beginning class for each term is called the “Twinkle” class, as variations on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star are the first 5-6 pieces students learn to play on every instrument. Of course, it will take several terms to master those variations!
During the first term, Twinkle parents attend two classes every week; their child joins them for one of the classes:
- 45 minute Group Class for parent and child together (Saturday, 9:15)
- 60 minute Parent Class (TBA)
The Group Class during the first term will begin to introduce students and parents to the lesson structure, musical concepts and ensemble skills.
During the Parent Class, parents are introduced the the philosophy and pedagogy of Suzuki Talent Education. They also discuss concepts pertaining to child development, and begin to learn to be their child’s “home teacher”.
Forming the third leg of the “Suzuki Triangle”, the parent is the “Home Teacher”, responsible for practicing with their child(ren) every day at home, as well as for providing ample opportunities each day for saturated, environmental listening to the reference recording.
Student families continue to have two classes each week during the following terms:
- Individual (private) Lesson with parent and child together
- scheduled individually
- Group Class
- scheduled by instrument
A portion of the lesson each week will continue to be dedicated to the parent, who will learn the basics of how to play the instrument a few steps ahead of their child, so that parent, teacher and child are all confident when it comes time for the parent to practice that skill with the child at home. Because of their active involvement, it is necessary that the same parent attend every lesson as well as serving as the leader of the daily sessions of home practice.
Please register here to attend a Seminar for Prospective Parents to learn more about our Twinkle Program: https://suzukihk.wufoo.com/forms/z1urjlfh0nykuzc/
Knowledge x 10,000 = Ability
~Shinichi Suzuki
Experienced Transfer Students
Student families who have already started their musical journey with cello, piano, viola and violin are also welcome to join our SMAHK community. We have a special process for transfer families.
Experienced Cello students have the opportunity to join our Yo Yo Ma program. Students who are ready to participate in SMAHK Orchestra will have the chance to experience our comprehensive program that includes weekly individual lesson, group class and orchestra as well as a monthly Cello Choir which brings together all levels of cellists. If our faculty determine an experienced cello student is not yet ready for orchestra, they may still join our instrumental program.
For more information, please contact Ms Marie Ann info@suzukihk.org
Individual Lesson
The individual lesson is the opportunity for the child and parent to work with the teacher in a concentrated environment on the technical skills of readiness, posture, tone, intonation, and articulation. Teachers will teach the student and parent the skills of how to play their instrument, preview spots for upcoming pieces, and polish technique and musicianship using current and previous repertoire. The teacher will provide the student and parent with specific guidelines for focus during the daily home practice session, and it is expected that the parent will guide the student’s practice accordingly every day.
Group classes
Participation in the weekly group class is integral to our program. The purpose of group class is to provide children with a fun environment and peer group in which to reinforce their private lesson skills, and learn how to cooperate with others to form a “team” of musicians who can make beautiful music together. Children will have the opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem through playing repertoire which has already been mastered individually, while learning both from the teacher and from each other.
Orchestra
SMAHK students join orchestra once their playing and ensemble skills have reached an intermediate level. Orchestra is the next step in their musical journey, as it involves four different teams playing together simultaneously! Admission to orchestra is based on teacher recommendation. Orchestra meets on Saturday close the group class times in order to allow scheduling to be as convenient as possible.
Chamber Music
Chamber Music is the 3rd step in a student’s development as an ensemble player. Once they have excelled in a leadership role in orchestra, the conductor will recommend them to move from orchestra to chamber music. In chamber music, there are still several different parts playing together; however, instead of having 4 groups of teammates playing together, chamber musicians play with only one person on each part. Chamber Music also meets on Saturdays, in conjunction with the group class schedule.
When Should My Child Begin Lessons?
At SMAHK, beginning classes start only in terms where there is enough teacher availability. We offer our Twinkle program to families whose children will be at least four (4) years old prior to the start of the term. Sometimes families will remain in the general Twinkle program for more than one term before being ready for the individual lesson.