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Please note that each violin pupil must be registered for both single and group lessons.
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.
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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: one for children aged 3-4; the other for beginners aged 5 or more. Beginners aged 7 or more directly join a Book 1 group.
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.
The schedule of violin group lessons includes, as a free-of-charge option, Music Theory and solfege lessons, intended for children aged at least 7. As for violin group lessons, each child is expected to be accompanied and helped at the lessons by an accompanying parent.
The solfege component consist in training in fast note-reading. This reading is spoken, not sung, done using the latin fixed-do system. Singing and ear-training are done in the violin single and group lessons, and so are not covered in theory and solfege classes.
The theory component prepares the pupils for the British ABRSM Music Theory examinations. The course books are in English but explanations are given by the teachers in both English and French. However, it is preferable for at least the parent to understand English.
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.
Advanced pupils for whom there are no group lessonsmay opt for a pre-paid series of 60-minute solo rehearsals with our piano accompanist, at a discounted price.
Each group changes teacher each week, alternating between Alexis and Dominika. Cristina occasionally replaces.
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 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.
Violin section - prices and conditions
What is the Suzuki Violin Method?
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions