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Suzuki Guitar
“ I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart. ”
—Shin'ichi Suzuki
Q: What is the Suzuki approach to learning to play the guitar?
A:The Suzuki approach to music education was created by Shin'ichi Suzuki in post-war Japan. Dr. Suzuki noticed that all children pick up their native language naturally. He created a method for children to learn music in a similar process.
Suzuki education is charactarized by:
--A belief that all children have innate musical ability.
--Beginning music education at a young age.
--Parent involvement.
--Constant listening to music.
--Technique taught in the context of musical pieces rather than in technical exercises.
--Constant review.
Q:Is my child too young for Suzuki? Too old?
A:We believe that a child is never too young to listen to music, and that a person is never too old to learn to play music! We start Suzuki training with children as young as three years old. There is no upper limit to age for Suzuki education--even many adults find that the approach is right for them.
Q:How do I know if a teacher is qualified to teach Suzuki?
A:Unfortunately, some who claim to be Suzuki instructors have had little or no training in how to teach young children. Always ask what your teachers credentials are. At NYC Guitar School, our Suzuki instructor, Michael Cioffero, is not only a highly proficient guitar player with a Masters in Classical Guitar Performance and years of teaching and performing experience, but he is also a registered Suzuki classical guitar instructor with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Q:How much of a time commitment does Suzuki entail?
A:Parent involvement is integral to the Suzuki approach. You will be present at each lesson along with your child, you will spend a little time each day practicing with your child and you will listen to music with your child as well. We understand that NYC adults are very busy--but if you are committed to this method you will find that you are not only helping your child learn to appreciate and play music, but you will also have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with your child as well.
Q: How do I begin?
A:Call or e-mail our friendly staff (info@nycguitarschool.com or 646-485-7244) to set up a no-obligation consultation with Michael Cioffero. Michael will be happy to answer all your questions. There is no charge for this consultation. The consultation is 1/2 hour. Your child does not need to be present.
Q: How much is tuition?
A:Suzuki lessons are paid for in blocks of ten. Ten lessons in your home are $850. Ten lessons in our studio are $650. All books, CDs and materials are included.
Q:I've heard that Suzuki students don't learn to read music. Is that true?
A:There is a general impression that Suzuki students don't learn to read music notation. In fact, in programs with trained Suzuki teachers, students do learn to read music. At NYC Guitar School your child will learn to read music in a developmentally appropriate manner.
Q: What additional resources do you recommend for learning about Suzuki guitar lessons?
A:The Suzuki Association of America has information on the Suzuki method as well as a parent resources section.
The Longay Conservatory of Guitar website contains a wealth of Suzuki Guitar information. (Frank Longay, the Director of the Longay Conservatory of Guitar, is a founding member and chairman of both the Guitar Committee of the International Suzuki Association and the Guitar Committee for the Suzuki Association of the Americas.)
For more information and to register for a course or trial lesson email
info@nycguitarschool.com or call 646-485-7244.
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"It's super-duper fun!"
-Thalia, age 4
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--Henri, Age 9
"It's the best place for kids to learn guitar!" --Ron Navarre (Henri's Dad)
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