Note: “SMB” means the Brussels Suzuki Association. SMB violin group lessons are hosted by Ecole Eos but are nevertheless open to non-Eos students. Eos students benefit from a reduced Violin Fee (see Prices and Conditions)
Q: Must I register my child for both single and group lessons?
The Suzuki method normally requires that each child attend both single and group lessons. Therefore, for children aged more than 6 or less than 5, it is compulsory to complement the group lessons with single lessons. To register for single lessons, please contact directly one of the SMB violin teachers listed on SMB’s website www.suzuki-music-brussels.be, so as to agree on the place, time, duration and price of the lessons.
Children aged 5 or 6 may register for group lessons only, although taking single lessons as well is recommended. If you wish to register for group lessons only, please contact the violin section coordinator at alexis.oberreit@suzuki-music-brussels.be.
Group lessons are compulsory for all single-lesson SMB Suzuki violin pupils up to and including Suzuki Book 4 level. However, children taking regular Suzuki group lessons outside of Brussels may be exempt from SMB group lessons; and from Book 5 level, single-lesson pupils who can show good reason (e.g. regular participation in an orchestra or choir) may also be exempt from group lessons.
Pupils who are following single violin lessons with a non-SMB teacher but who wish to take part in SMB violin group lessons may register for the groups only, provided the parent makes sure that there is no significant conflict between the pedagogy and repertoire used in the groups and those used by the single lessons teacher. It is strongly advised, therefore, to seek the single lessons teacher’s advice before registering for SMB group lessons.
Q: When and how are INSCRIPTIONS effected?
The starting date of lessons for new pupils normally begin at the start of Term, i.e. after the Summer holiday, or the Christmas holiday, or the April holiday. It is possible for a pupil to begin lessons in mid-term but in that case payment of the group lessons for the full term will still be due. However, the Term price of single lessons will usually be adapted by the teacher to take account of the lessons missed because of the late start.
Inscription is through the single lesson teacher or, in the case of pupils registering for group lessons only, through the violin section coordinator. The completed inscription form should be received by the single lessons teacher (with his or her consent) or by the violin section coordinator at least a week before the starting date.
Payment for the group and/or single lessons should be received by SMB at least a week before the starting date, and thereafter before the first lesson of each Term.
Q: What is the MINIMUM AGE for a child to begin lessons? Is there a maximum age?
The minimum age to begin Suzuki lessons is usually 3 years old, although in some cases beginners have begun even before that. There is no maximum age; the most advanced pupils in the groups are usually 16 to 18 years old, but some adults also take single lessons and sometimes take part in solo concerts or evaluations.
Q: When and where do GROUP LESSONS take place?
Group lessons take place on Monday evenings in Etterbeek at Ecole Eos, which is opposite Parc Leopold near place Jourdan.
Groups are organised by level according to each pupil’s Suzuki repertoire level. The beginners’ group has its lesson from 17:00 to 17:30. Overall there are lessons from 17:00 to 19:00.
Registered pupils are provided with a fully detailed calendar, a schedule and a weekly program for the group lessons. If your child is not yet a registered pupil but you wish to come and observe lessons, please contact alexis.oberreit@suzuki-music-brussels.be a few days beforehand to make sure that the lessons will indeed take place on the day when you intend to come and observe.
Q: Must a PARENT accompany the child at each lesson?
In the Suzuki Method the presence of one of the parents is expected at each lesson, both for group lessons and for single lessons. Only older pupils may come unaccompanied to their lesson. In most cases parents will continue to accompany and help their child up to at least the age of 12.
For group lessons we tolerate children accompanied by a nanny or other adult instead of by their parent.
Q: Are there CONCERTS organised for the pupils to play in?
Yes, SMB organises several violin concerts each year where the pupils play either solo or in groups, as well as one evaluation, where the jury congratulates each pupil and gives him or her advice without awarding any points.
Even the youngest beginners can take part in the concerts, if only by demonstrating a concert bow!
Q: What LANGUAGE are the group lessons given in?
Group lessons are normally given in French, as in Brussels that is the children's majority language, but all explanations can be repeated in English when necessary. Written communications to the parents are normally made in English, on the assumption that nowadays all adults in Brussels can readily understand English, but will not necessarily understand French.
Q: Should I videotape or otherwise record the lessons?
It is recommended that the parent take notes or even make a video or audio recording of single lessons, to better inform the home practice.
Q: How can I prepare before starting lessons?
It is strongly advised, even before registering for lessons, that the parent begin to read Shinichi Suzuki’s book, “Nurtured by Love”.
Observing lessons given to other children is free, both before and after effecting the SMB inscription, and is also highly recommended.
It is also recommended that the child and parent start listening daily to recordings of the pieces in Book 1 of the Suzuki Violin Method, even before starting lessons. These recordings are available either in the form of a CD (which can be purchased along with the Book) or as mp3s. The mp3 Suzuki violin recordings are provided free of charge by SMB to any pupil registered at SMB for violin lessons. There is a significant advantage to opting for mp3s: by using a speed-control app, the playback tempo can be adjusted so that pupils who have just learned a new piece can play along with the recording at a tempo adapted to their ability and needs.
Q: Does SMB lend or rent violins to students?
- No, SMB does not furnish the instruments, but we do provide useful addresses for the purchase or rental of violins and bows and of all the necessary accessories (see "Equipment and useful addresses"). Some shops offer reductions for persons carrying an SMB student card.
If your child is a registered SMB pupil but you have not yet received an SMB card, please contact secretariat@suzuki-music-brussels.be.
For further question concerning violin lessons please contact: alexis.oberreit@suzuki-music-brussels.be
For questions not specific to violin please contact: secretariat@suzuki-music-brussels.be