Suzuki Music School of Arkansas
2007-2008
Parent Handbook
The Suzuki Music School of Arkansas
¨ The Suzuki Music School of Arkansas was founded at the University of Arkansas in 1977.
¨ SMSA currently provides musical instruction in cello, flute, guitar, piano and violin to approximately 200 students ranging in age from 3-adult.
¨ SMSA is a non-profit organization funded entirely by student tuition, private donations and fund-raising efforts.
¨ SMSA is affiliated with and housed by the University of Arkansas.
¨ The University of Arkansas generously allows SMSA the use of their facilities for programs and special events. The U of A also provides the funds necessary to hold monthly recitals at the Walton Arts Center.
¨ All teachers have received training through courses provided by the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
¨ SMSA holds membership with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
The Suzuki Association of the Americas Mission Statement
The Suzuki Association of the Americas aspires to improve the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education. We seek to create a learning community, which embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit.
The Suzuki Music School of Arkansas Mission Statement
The purpose of the Suzuki Music
School of Arkansas is to foster the development of ability in all
students regardless of age, race, and special needs. We share the
values of the Suzuki Association of the Americas: teaching with
integrity and respect for families and colleagues, building community,
pursuing excellence, and preserving the Suzuki legacy of developing
noble character through the nurturing of musical ability in a loving
environment.
Basic Elements of the Suzuki Method
1. Listening. Children learn by listening and imitating. Suzuki children repeatedly listen to pieces they will be learning. The student’s success is directly related to the amount of time spent listening to the repertoire.
2. Parents As Partners. Suzuki parents are active participants in their children’s musical education. They attend lessons and practice with their children daily. Dr. Suzuki believed that parents create the desire to learn in their children. Parents work closely with their teachers to provide the optimum learning environment by trusting the teacher, taking notes during lessons, and following through with assignments.
3. Nurturing Environment. Suzuki parents and teachers nurture their children with love and respect.
“Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.”—Shinichi Suzuki
4. Repetition. Reviewing pieces that have been mastered is a key element to refining technique, improving tone, learning self-expression, and the joy of making music.
5. Small Steps. Each skill must be mastered before proceeding to the next. Suzuki teachers guide their students at a rate that encourages mastery of skill. Suzuki parents must wait for their teachers to guide them.
6. Group Lessons and Private Lessons. Regular attendance to weekly private lessons and group lessons is essential to a student’s success.
7. Repertoire. All students learn from a core curriculum. Students are taught the same pieces, allowing them to play together and learn from one another. Suzuki students from all around the world have a common bond when they come together to play concerts. Dr. Suzuki selected pieces from the standard repertoire of the great masters including Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. These pieces were selected to facilitate specific skills needed to master the instrument. Teachers are encouraged to supplement the core Suzuki repertoire.
8. Teacher Training. The Suzuki Association of the Americas educates and trains teachers. The level of this instruction is exceptional and all teachers are expected to take courses and continually expand their skill.
Registration
SMSA operates on a semester schedule with each semester totaling 18 weeks of lessons. Each student receives one private lesson a week and attends scheduled group classes to be determined by faculty members. In addition, Suzuki students are invited to perform at monthly recitals at the Walton Art Center.
All current students are automatically registered for each semester. Parents receive the completed registration form in the mail. All tuition is to be paid by the 15th of the month and mailed to:
Division of Continuing Education
#2 East Center
Fayetteville, AR 72701
The University of Arkansas charges a $25 late fee for any payments postmarked after the 15th of the month. All new students are required to pay their tuition in full at the beginning of each semester for the first year. After that time new families may make a request to the Business Administrator to begin making monthly payments. The University of Arkansas accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover for tuition paid in full. They do not accept credit cards for monthly payments.
Tuition rates for the 2007-2008 school year are as follows:
$414 30 minute
lessons
$550 45 minute lessons
$714 60 minute lessons
$25
Registration
$15 Activity Fee
$25 Sibling discount
$25 Late fee
2007-2008 School Calendar
Fall semester: August 20, 2007 – January 11, 2008
Thanksgiving Break November
19-23
Christmas Break December 24 – January
4
Spring Semester: January 14, 2008 – May 23, 2008
Spring Break March 17-21
Private Lessons
Weekly private lessons are scheduled with your private instructor.
Private lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length depending on the student’s age and readiness.
Parents are required to bring a notebook to record instructions and assignments. Recording each lesson is encouraged to provide the student with a model for correct pitch, rhythm and tone production.
Attendance Policy
If a student misses a lesson, make-up lessons will not be given. Therefore, if you know in advance that you will miss a lesson, please trade lesson times with another student and notify your teacher of the change. If the Fayetteville School District is closed due to snow, the Suzuki Music School of Arkansas will also close. Make-up lessons will be given for all snow days. Lessons missed by your teacher will also be made up.
Group Lessons
Group lessons are essential to the complete education of the Suzuki student. Group class gives your child a chance to meet other children making music and to acquire the performance skills and ensemble skills necessary to becoming a successful musician. If you must miss a group class, please call your group class instructor prior to missing that class. Visit the calendar page for a schedule of group classes.
Solo Recitals
Monthly student recitals are held in the Starr Theater at the Walton Arts Center. All performances at the Walton Arts Center should represent your highest level of playing. Your private teacher will help you choose the piece to be performed and prepare you for the performance. Please dress appropriately: for example, dress shoes, nice slacks, dresses, or pant suits. SMSA teachers will assign an accompanist for each recital. Please give the accompanist your music in advance. The accompanist will be available to rehearse before the recital by appointment only. Accompanists should be paid $27 per hour for additional rehearsals or private book recitals.
Parking
Parents may park in the front circle drive or in the new University of Arkansas Harmon Avenue Parking Facility. Please do not park on the street or in the apartment parking areas, as your car will be towed and/or ticketed.
Spring Festival Concerts
Every year the students at SMSA perform in a series of final concerts for the school year. Students are given the opportunity to perform on a professional stage in a formal concert setting. The 2006-2005 SMSA final concerts are scheduled for May 19th and 20th at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University of Arkansas.
Every Child Can!
Every Child Can! Is the official introductory course of the SAA. It is a 6-hour course that will be presented in two 3 hour sessions each semester at SMSA. The course will be taught by registered Suzuki Teacher Trainer Stevie Sandven. The fee for the course is $50 which includes the SAA $30 materials fee. All new SMSA families will be required to complete the course during their first semester of study.
Friends of Suzuki
Friends of Suzuki is the parent organization of SMSA. Friends of Suzuki is organized into committees that conduct business and organize volunteer activities for SMSA. Friends of Suzuki is a necessary and integral part of our school. Their efforts have provided the resources necessary for student scholarships, teacher training, school instruments, workshops, special events, hospitality, etc. The purpose of Friends of Suzuki is to assist with fund-raising, community outreach, facility enhancement, concert production, etc. All parents are encouraged to join one of the standing committees of Friends of Suzuki. Contact the SMSA office at smsa@uark.edu or 479-575-5250 for additional information.
Scholarships
SMSA, in cooperation with Friends of Suzuki, awards scholarships to qualifying students. Students may apply for scholarship after attending the school for one year. Students must have a letter of recommendation from their private teacher; have a history of consistent practice, and a commitment to musical growth. All scholarships are subject to availability of funds. Contact the SMSA director at smsa@uark.edu or 479-575-5250 to receive a scholarship application.