Early Childhood Education -- Infants through age 4

I am happy to let you know that four new Early Childhood Education music classes will begin in the New Semester during the week of January 5, 2009.

A Suzuki Baby Class for infants through 3 year olds starting 1/7/09 - Wednesday mornings from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Three Age 3-4 Early Childhood Classes for both Cello and Violin:
-cello class: Monday evenings starting 1/5/09 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- violin class (morning): Friday mornings, starting 1/9/09 - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- violin class (evening): Friday evenings, starting 1/9/09 - 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

The Cello classes will be taught by cellist and Suzuki trained teacher Valdine Ritchie Mishkin. Please see her bio at http://suzukiportland.com/cello.html

Suzuki Violin, Viola and Cello lessons for all ages are available in the regular SuzukiPortland Program. You can read about it at SuzukiPortland.com. Individual lessons are arranged at mutually convenient times; the corresponding group classes are on Tuesday evenings from 5-7 p.m.. The cello program is in a growth phase, so there is substantial opportunity to participate. There is also a theory class for children age 9 and up who play any instrument.

New Rudiments Theory I Class

Announcing a new Rudiments Theory I class on Mondays from 6-7 p.m., taught by Valdine Ritchie Mishkin. Class is open to all students (minimum age 11), regardless of your particular instrument or playing level. The cost of the class is $250 for the semester (15 classes) including course materials.

The class will cover all of the necessary tools for understanding the 'mathmatics' of music and how to write it. Rudiments theory is an important part of every student's musical education!

E-mail Valdine at valdineritchie@hotmail.com for more info, or call 971-255-1729.

Autumn Suzuki Workshop with Judy Weigert Bossuat

Judy Weigert Bossuat, Suzuki Teacher Trainer and Clinician, will be giving a workshop to violin and viola students on Saturday November 8, 2008 that will include Group Classes and Master Classes.

For more information about Ms. Bossuat please go to http://www.csus.edu/stringproject/teachers.htm

Mixed Violin & Viola Group Classes will be held at the Multnomah Arts Center 97688 SW Capitol Hwy., Portland 97219.

Time: 11:00 am: Pre-Twinkle - Prepetual Motion
11:45 am: Allegretto - Lully Gavotte

Two one-hour master classes will be held at the SuzukiPortland studio at 1:30 and 2:30 pm. and will be limited to 4 violin or viola students per class.

Cost: Group Class only -- $18
Master Class only -- $22
Both events -- $40

Please contact Cynthia Scott -- scottcynthia.vnva@gmail.com for more information.

The event is being sponsored by the SuzukiPortland Violin, Viola, Cello Studio: SuzukiPortland.com, and, the Metropolitan Suzuki School: scottcynthia.vnva@gmail.com

Maia will present her Book 5 Viola Graduation Recital

Maia will present her book 5 Viola Graduation Recital at Brooks Hill Historic Church, on the corner of Cornelius Pass Road and Skyline, on Sunday October 5, 2008, at 4 p.m.. For more information, please contact Catherine@SuzukiPortland.com

A VIOLA OF THE FUTURE

Elizabeth (and of course her parents!) commissioned David Rivinus, the innovative and extraordinary modern viola maker to make this beautiful Pellegrina for her. Elizabeth stands at 5'. This instrument is opening a new world of viola repertoire to her, where the ratio of instrument size : body size once made it prohibitive.

David Rivinis writes, " A frequent cause of injury to... violists is something called supination. From the player's perspective supining is the need to stretch the left elbow as far as possible toward the middle of the body. This action causes muscle spasms in the neck and left shoulder, it pinches nerves up and down the arm and in the elbow, and it results in a posture that stresses the tendons in the left forearm and hand, often causing them to swell. The most important innovation incorporated into... (the Pellegrina) is the one that allows the player to supine about five degrees less than on traditional instruments... It is accomplished by simply tilting or banking the fingerboard so that the lowest string is put within the player's comfortable reach". The asymmetrical design is "the key to solving, acoustically and ergonomically, many of the problems that have plagued string players--especially violists--for centuries". Rivinus goes on to teach players that a traditionally designed large instrument only causes large physical ailments, and that a large sonority does not need to come from a conventionally shaped instrument; it can be found "by stretching" the instrument in areas that won't interfere with the mechanics of playing. This new shape allows the player to produce an "expansive tenor sound which is generated by [the] unusually large body [of the Pellegrina]... yet to the player, it feels like an undersized viola. It's unconventional shape allows for unprecedented ease of shifting into the upper positions". Other innovations include a lighter overall weight, extra sound holes, and a different bridge design.

A Suzuki parent's experience attending their first summer institute: Ashley at the Santa Fe Suzuki Institute, By Julie Chu

During the week of July 19-25, Ashley and I attended our first Suzuki Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After we arrived at the College of Santa Fe, we were surprised to see how many Suzuki families were there gathering and dancing to the big Play-In.

Like all other first timers, Ashley was quite a bit overwhelmed with the busy schedule on the first full day of the Institute. The day started with a viola master class with 4 other violists of like level under Dr. Julia Hardie, a viola rep class with other advanced violists, an Orchestra, a viola technique class, then finally a magic class as a welcome break from all the music. After the classes were finished, we attended both the Honors Recitals and the evening concerts. Needless to say, at the end of the day, there was little time to practice what she learned that day. We later joined students practicing at all corners of the campus under the beautiful Santa Fe sun. Even though Orchestra was Ashley's most challenging class, she enjoyed being able to play in a group setting. She also realized how important it was to be able to read music fast and well.

While Ashley attended her classes, I was able to attend quite a few Parent Talks. It was nice to know that most Suzuki parents share the same joy and challenges. By the end of the week, Ashley had made good friends with all her fellow violists who would be returning the next year. At the Celebration concert, I was proud to watch her play in her first orchestra performance. It had indeed been a fulfilling and fun experience for both of us. We'd be back next year!

Catherine Whelan is a violin teacher and viola teacher in Portland Oregon. Dr. Valdine Ritchie Mishkin is a cello teacher and piano teacher in Portland Oregon and Lake Oswego Oregon. Catherine Whelan and Dr. Valdine Ritchie Mishkin are directors of the SuzukiPortland and SuzukiLakeOswego Preparatory Program. The SuzukiPortland and SuzukiLakeOswego Preparatory Program serves people dedicated to the long-term process of becoming a well-rounded musician. The violin studio is located at 7295 SW Capitol Hill Road, Portland, Oregon 97219

Jackie Will Present Viola Book Three Graduation Recital 9/21 in Hillsboro

Jackie will present her Book Three Viola Graduation Recital on Sunday September 21, at 6:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church on Minter Bridge Road in Hillsboro.

A WORD ABOUT GRADUATION RECITALS!
WHAT ARE THEY?

Graduation recitals are given by all SuzukiPortland students starting when Book 2 has been completed. At this point in a student's learning, they have the skill to present a polished and beautiful public recital of Book 1. When the student has reached the end of Book 3, a Book 2 recital is given, then at the end of Book 4, a Book 3 recital is presented, and so forth through all the Suzuki repertoire. Learning an entire book ahead, before giving a recital of the last book finished, gives the student time to develop fluidity of technique and stronger musical ideas in each piece; it also brings meaning to the review process where these skills are developed and accumulated. Presenting a book recital helps each student develop confidence and skill in them self as a communicator: the recitalist's goal, is to serve the music and the audience. Recitals are played from memory, and students often add pieces of their own choice such as selections from a favorite movie, pieces learned outside the Suzuki repertoire, or on another instrument. Each Book Recital has a personality unique to the performer, and is a friendly celebration, a 'rite of passage' for each student on their musical journey!

Isabelle at the Northern California Suzuki Institute

Isabelle went to the Northern California Suzuki Institute in Santa Rosa in the middle of July. To be honest, initially we were a little overwhelmed by being in a violin-intensive environment. It was one thing to practice with a group of people you get to know over the years and then continue with the rest of your life -- play dates, school, etc. I wondered if I had made the right decision for us to attend.

Once we got our footing however, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. We stayed in the dorms, which was a good decision. You really get to be part of the whole environment when you stay there. The teachers were terrific -- passionate, dedicated, and talented. And of course, the other children were inspiring.

It was a long day of violin. First we had a master class with Mrs. Hirata who trained under Suzuki himself. Then we had a Repetoire class, then a Dance class. We then broke for lunch. After lunch was the Pre-reading Music class and finally the Technique class. The hours ran from 9 a.m.-3 pm.

At around 4 pm, we headed straight to the pool for some well-deserved R & R. That was really the best time to bond with the other children. We had dinner at 6 pm and then just relaxed together on the grass the rest of the evening with some other folks. We turned in at about 9-9:30 pm to the sounds of violins.

After the week, I noticed Isabelle took much more pride in her playing and more ownership of the instrument as a whole. I think we'll go back next year, and I would definitely recommend Santa Rosa. If you can, try and tag a couple of extra days on to the trip to drive to the coast, visit San Francisco. It all so close.

Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute

I just got home from Newfoundland, where I was on the Faculty of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute for the second year. My daughter Maia went with me, and, now home after a 17 hour journey back across the continent, the hospitality of the NF Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) families is alive in our hearts.

This institute serves mostly local families who live at home, rather than at the institute during the week, so there is a lot of commuting each day to and from the school where the classes take place. A highlight of the week for me, was working with Evelyn Osborne to start, for the first time at ACSI, the Suzuki Early Childhood Education "Baby" Class, for children age 0-3. The joy and excitement of the children was tangible throughout the week, and it was indeed a "dream class" of committed and deeply interested parents. During the rest of the day, I had the pleasure of teaching many group classes of various levels full of keen, fun loving students. Maia was part of a small chamber orchestra, a string quartet, as well as a fiddle class where Christina Smith introduced "trick fiddling" that included playing a piece with your bow on your neighbors fiddle, while fingering the piece on your own instrument, and letting your neighbor on the other side reach over and bow your instrument, all while playing a fast lively tune....! I am glad to say it actually worked in the final recital and how! Maia also had some very nice lessons on the viola with the ACSI director Sean Conway, and has come home with an assignment to be completed, I believe by next year, when I hope they have lessons again together.

I think the most valuable part of institute week is the new blood that runs through all our veins as we openly share our skills and ideas with each other. I love the cultural exchange, as well as the new friends and colleagues I had the pleasure to meet. And I love Newfoundland!

Lana and Ed, sent the lovely picture of my namesake, (albeit no relation that I know of!) Kate Whelan seen at the top of this section. I will wait for my NF students to send more photos electronically as Maia left our digital camera at the last institute she was at in Kansas. So do send them, and I will gather a collection to post. Catherine

Sound Encounters 2008 Ottawa Kansas

Here are some photos of Maia and her new institute friends (violists of course!) at SOUND ENCOUNTERS in Ottawa Kansas. This institute, designed for advanced students, was just a wonderful experience.  

Book 5 Viola Graduation Recital

Elizabeth will be giving her Book 5 Viola Graduation Recital on Sunday July 6, 2008. Please contact catherine@SuzukiPortland.com for more details. 

NEW EVENING ECE BABY CLASS AND AGE 3-4 VIOLIN CLASS

I have been looking for ways to serve parents who have jobs that take them out of their homes, so their children can still receive the benefits of Suzuki Early Childhood Education Music classes!

To do that during the summer months, I will be starting an EVENING Suzuki "Baby Class" for ages 0-3 on Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., and an age 3-4 EVENING ECE Violin Class on Wednesdays, from 6-7 p.m.. There are also daytime classes to choose from.

To register, go to the SuzukiPortland.com website, click on Contact, and get in touch via email.

The benefits of these Early Childhood Education Music classes are profound. Both the Suzuki ECE Baby class and the ECE Violin class teaches music as a language, in a way that helps lay the foundation for speaking and reading, and understanding music aurally. The violin is introduced in the age 3-4 class.

Children participate in both classes with their parent by their side for loving encouragement. A child's learning occurs naturally through the sights, sounds and activities that they are invited into.

The Age 3-4 ECE class, introduces the violin in a way that is appealing to young children. Attention, focus and general musicianship are built through progressive skills training, taught in the format of a game. The violin is introduced in short lessons that equal the child's attention span.

Parent Education is a strong component of the Suzuki ECE classes. The Suzuki parenting philosophy follows these tenets ~ Every child can learn, Ability develops early, Environment nurtures growth, Children learn from one another, Success breeds success, Parental involvement is critical, Encouragement is essential.


The CD used for the "Baby Class" is Lullabies, Action Songs, and Rhymes, and this and the revised edition of the Suzuki Violin volume one CD is also used in the ECE age 3-4 violin class.



For more information go to http://suzukiportland.com/

Off to Suzuki Institute we go...

Last winter, the actual time to get on the plane to go to our various Suzuki institutes, seemed like light years away, but here we are now, a colorful and adventurous Suzuki violin community of families, heading off in various directions for the love of the violin -- and VIOLA! 

Many stories and pictures will be posted here in the following weeks, to share our journeys... ENJOY!