Suzuki Music School

The Suzuki Music School offers instruction for children of the community in violin, viola, 'cello, and piano. Students receive an integrated course of musical study designed to develop instrumental technique and repertoire, skills of music reading and theory, performance opportunities and ensemble playing.

The Suzuki Philosophy

"Every child can be educated" —Shinichi Suzuki

The philosophy in Suzuki instruction is that every child has musical potential. The nurturing of a happy, self-confident and sensitive child in an atmosphere of positive reinforcement through music has been the primary focus of the Suzuki philosophy. The five areas that Dr. Suzuki believes to be all-important in developing are:

• early education
• thorough training
• favorable environment
• an excellent teacher
• best educational method

The Suzuki Method

The method developed by Shinichi Suzuki, also called the mother-tongue method, is based on the idea of language development. The child listens, later speaks, then reads and writes. In listening to recordings before playing the songs, the child develops the sense of correct pitch and rhythm and a sensitivity to fine musical phrasing. The repertoire is graded to develop the technical facility. The reading of musical notation is introduced as the child progresses. The parent plays a prominent role in establishing the environment for home practice.

Schedule

Fall Semester: September 12, 2011 – January 21, 2012

Spring Semester: January 30, 2012 – May 26, 2012

Summer Session: By arrangement with the faculty

For more information, download the Suzuki School of Music Brochure.

Our Faculty

Violin/Viola

Janet Bogart, BM, MM
Julie Mellon, BM, MM
Alan Shearer, BA, MM

Cello

Barbara Wampner, B.M.Ed., MA

Piano

Marilyn Markowitz, BA
Josephine Sanchez, BS, BM, MM
Diana Damitz, BM, MM, D.Mus

contact

Barbara Wampner, Director
Angelico Hall, Room 202 
Dominican University of California
50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
415-485-3216
415-457-4440, ext. 3216