Violin group lessons
every Monday evening at Ecole Eos in Etterbeek
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Group lessons take place on Monday evenings at Ecole Eos in Etterbeek.
Please note that, in general, each violin pupil must be registered for both single and group lessons.
However, the following category of pupils may register for group lessons only. For all other pupils inscription to both single and group lessons is mandatory.
Pupils aged 5 to 6;
Pupils of a previously approved teacher who is not a member of SMB, who teaches using the Suzuki Method and repertoire.
While children aged 5 to 6 may may opt to have group lessons only, obviously, rapid and solid progress is more likely if single lessons are opted for. This said, for some children, one or even two years with just group lessons, before starting single lessons, can work very well; in other cases, parents quickly realise that single lessons will be necessary quite early, if their child is to fit in with the group without problems.
For beginners aged less than 5 years it is not advisable to take group lessons only. For such very young children, single violin lessons as well as group lessons are necessary
Presence of parents
The presence of one of the parents at each lesson is mandatory for children in the beginners' groups as well as for those in Book 1 groups. However, if it is difficult for the home-coach parent to attend both the single and the group lesson, he or she may be replaced by another adult, e.g.: the other parent; a grandparent, uncle, aunt, etc.; a family friend; another parent in the child's group; the nanny... In any case, the accompanying adult should be able to report on the lesson to the home-coach parent.
Group lessons fee
Please check the prices and conditions
Beginners' groups
The beginners' group lesson lasts 30 minutes. It involves games and activities aiming to improve the children's motor skills and to teach rhythm, musical awakening, basic posture and the proper way of holding the instrument.
There are two beginners' groups, in 2022-2023 both will be taking place at 17:00: one for children aged 3-4; the other for beginners aged 5 or more.
Medium-level groups
The groups are organised by level, with two groups or subgroups for Suzuki Book 1 and then one subgroup per book up to Book 4 or 5. Each group is made up of two subgroups and has a 30-minute lesson. Each subgroup, and thus each pupil, belongs to two groups and therefore receives one hour of group lessons each week, except for the beginners for early Book 1 pupils, who take part in only one 30-minute group lesson.
In all the groups other than the beginners' group, the study material is mainly the repertoire of the Suzuki Method but also includes games and exercises designed to improve posture, motricity, musicianship, instrumental technique, basic theory and solfege, as well as scales and arpeggios.
Music Theory course (optional)
The schedule of violin group lessons includes optional Music Theory lessons, intended for children aged at least 7. This course prepares the pupils for ABRSM Music Theory examinations and are given in English to the pupils together with their parents. The course is open to all pupils who fulfil the criteria for admission, whether they are violin pupils or not, including pupils who are not registered at SMB. An extra fee is required. For more information, please go to: ABRSM Music Theory.
For advanced pupils: solo rehearsals with piano
For advanced pupils for whose level there are not enough pupils to organise group lessons, group lessons are replaced by 60-minute solo rehearsals with our piano accompanist. Each pupil may book up to 8 sessions per school year. Pupils book their individual sessions in advance, directly with the pianist.
The teaching team; group accompaniment
Each group changes teacher each week, in rotation through three teachers: Alexis, Dominika and Cristina. The most advanced groups also have a piano accompanist present at each lesson, which creates a richer musical experience.
Concerts and Evaluations
Inscription as an SMB violin pupil also enables participation in several events each year, including two group concerts, a soloists' concert and an evaluation. At the latter, the jury which gives advice and encouragement to each pupil after his or her performance. No marks are awarded.
However, participation in any event depends on the level and adequate preparation of the pupil, as estimated by the teachers.
More Information (in English only)
Violin section - prices and conditions
What is the Suzuki Violin Method?
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions