Suzuki Violin Instruction

To enroll your K-1-2 student in the program:

1.  Sign up for lessons:   registration 

2.  Mrs. Hopf will measure your child's arm and email the violin size to you.

3.  Order a violin, Suzuki violin book 1, and CD from Zeswitz Music

MATERIALS: click here for a list of materials needed for the first Suzuki class.

Talent education is a term used in Japan to mean the education of the whole child through music.  It has come to be known as the ‘Suzuki Violin Method’ and is being offered to Kindergarten students in the North Penn schools.  Dr. Suzuki believed that ability is not an inherited trait, and that anyone can learn to play the violin the same way in which one learns his native language, by imitation.  This is called the ‘mother tongue approach.’

Kindergarten students are invited to learn how to play violin through this approach.  Lessons are provided by the school district during the school day.  Instruments are available for lease through a music company for approximately $10-12 / month.  Students who are enrolled will receive two lessons each week.  The students learn by rote, making it necessary for a parent to attend the violin lessons.  This parent then becomes the ‘home teacher’.  The child also listens to recordings, which, when played again and again, facilitates memorization.

 For the first few weeks of lessons, the parents will receive most of the instruction so that you will understand the mechanics of the instrument well enough to become the ‘home teacher’ when the children begin.  I will include instruction for the children at the end of most of the parent lessons.  After about 7-10 lessons, the parent lessons will be concluded and the lessons will focus on the children.  Parents will still need to attend lessons to facilitate practicing at home.  This is part of the Suzuki approach to violin instruction – please visit the Suzuki Association website for more information.

If this opportunity is not feasible for your family at this time due to work schedules, students may take traditional strings lessons starting in third grade - parent attendance is not required.  Please feel free to contact me at hopfhm@npenn.org if you have questions.