CSA Suzuki String Academy
The Suzuki Strings program, begun at Goshen College in 1979, continues the tradition of employing principles of Shinichi Suzuki to teach young children to play violin. Currently, the Suzuki Academy at Community School of the Arts is available in violin, viola, and cello. The program is geared for students beginning as early as age four. The Suzuki String Academy is directed by Rosalyn Troiano.
The Suzuki method, based on the “mother-tongue” approach, differs from traditional methods in that it instructs students at an early age, thus requiring parental involvement. The parent, who is given instruction during the child’s lesson, needs no prior music training. Basic principles of the approach are:
- A parent attends each lesson, and then serves as home teacher at regular practice sessions with the child at home.
- Daily listening to recordings of the repertoire is key to progress as new pieces are learned by ear.
- Music reading is postponed until a child’s aural and instrumental skills are well established. This “mother-tongue” approach encourages attention to the sounds that are made, correlating to our practice of teaching children to read after they speak a language.
- Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki experience. They provide motivation for students and parents, informal occasions for performance, and many opportunities for social interaction while learning important skills.
Classes are organized each fall for this program, and registration assumes a one-year commitment. Students receive a 30-minute private lesson each week, plus an hour group lesson every other week during the two 16-week semesters. Cost per 16-week semester is $350.
Week 1 Groups |
Meeting Time |
Location |
Teacher |
| Beginning Violin (ages 4-5) | Mondays 4:45-5:30 p.m. | MC110 | Rosalyn Troiano |
| Book 1a Violin / Viola | Mondays 5:30-6:15 p.m. | MC110 | Rosalyn Troiano |
| Book 1 Cello | Mondays 4:15-5:00 p.m. | MC100 | Brook Bennett |
Week 2 Groups |
Meeting Time |
Location |
Teacher |
| Beginning Violin (ages 6-8) | Mondays 4:45-5:30 p.m. | MC110 | Rosalyn Troiano |
| Allegro! | Mondays 5:30-6:15 p.m. | MC110 | Rosalyn Troiano |
String Ensembles
Allegro!
Allegro! is our beginning string ensemble and group experience for CSA violin, viola andcello students ages 7-10 studying Suzuki Books 2 and 3. This class is included in tuition for Suzuki students of this level.
Vivace Strings
Formerly CSA's Home School Orchestra, our newly-named ensemble, Vivace Strings, is an advanced string ensemble for violin, viola, cello and bass students, age 11-17 with three or more years playing experience or studying Suzuki Book 4 and above. This ensemble meets weekly and will have performance opportunities at the Goshen College Music Center and music outreach events in th eGoshen community. Students may schedule an interview to determine placement by contacting the director, Rosalyn Troiano, at (574) 535-7908.
Rehearsals are Mondays beginning September 10, 2007 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Music Center. Cost is $85 per semester (plus registration fee) or $50 per semester for students enrolled in private lessons with CSA.
Register for Suzuki Strings lessons (pdf)
Questions? Contact the Community School of the Arts at CSA@goshen.edu, or by phone at 574-535-7361.