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Violin & Cello First Steps

Young Suzuki Violin Student

Summer First Steps for Violin & Cello – 2021 – Registration Open!

Summer First Steps provides an introduction to the Suzuki approach for violin or cello.

Classes Overview

  • Violin Day/Time/Dates:  Wednesdays or Thursdays, 4:30-5:15 pm; SCROLL down for details.
  • Cello Day/Time/Dates:  Mondays, 3:00 or 3:15 to 3:45 pm, depending on class size.
  • Location:  Classes will meet in-person with distancing and safety-protocols in place.
  • Ages:  Children should be aged  4 1/2*,  5, 6 or 7 years old.  *Child must be at least 4 1/2 as of July 1st.
  • Instrument:  We’ll assist with instrument rental prior to our first start date.
  • Parent & child attend together as part of a small group class (in-person or online with zoom).
  • Tuition:  $162
    • Tuition is due at time of registration.  Group class tuition is non-refundable.
    • If you are experiencing financial challenges, please email us at info@pakmusic.org to review payment options.  We can also advise on whether you might qualify for financial aid.
First Steps Web Reg Form

What to Expect

The 5 week cello / 6 week violin Summer Suzuki First Steps Program is a great way to assess your child’s readiness for school year instrument lessons.  We are offering this program in-person.

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    The Suzuki Method is based on the philosophy that every child can learn to play a musical instrument. Suzuki’s approach is modeled after the way we learn to speak: through listening, imitation, repetition and refinement, and parental support.

    The goal of our First Steps class is to get children excited about learning to play the violin.  We’ll also help child and parent experience some of the basics needed for learning how to play an instrument.  That includes developing small/fine motor skills needed for violin playing, helping children focus and follow directions, and offering guidance on beginning the habit of daily practice.  As part of our class meetings, families will become more closely acquainted with the Suzuki approach. As we enter the final two weeks of class, you’ll have enough information to decide if you and your child are ready to join our more formal school year program.

About In-Person 2021 for Summer First Steps

Safety protocols posted here are subject to update as the vaccination process unfolds this spring and summer of 2021.  As of March, we anticipate:

  • Requiring masks for students and parents
  • Meeting in a large space to allow for social distancing
  • Running a HEPA-13 [medical grade] filter and/or have open windows; and
  • Asking you to bring your own sanitation wipes due to current shortages.

Summer First Steps Class Choices

Violin Schedule for 2021

Wednesdays in Worcester (6 weeks) at 10 Irving Street / All Saints
4:30-5:15 with Amy Matherly
Class Schedule:    7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11.

OR

Thursdays in W. Boylston (6 weeks)
4:30 – 5:15 pm with Madalyne Cross
Class Schedule:    7/8, 7/15,  7/29, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19.  Please note there is no class on July 22.

Cello Schedule for 2021

Mondays in Worcester (5 weeks) at 10 Irving Street/All Saints.  Parking at Rear.
3:00/3:15-3:45 pm with Elizabeth Vysin
Class Schedule:  Mondays 7/12, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16

Need a Student Size Violin or Cello?

We will assist in connecting you with Johnson String Instrument prior to class start date.

Registered parents will receive information in advance regarding instrument rental.

Need to Miss a Week or Two?

If you have to miss one or two weeks of group class as part of the quick start program, we will ask that you sign up for a 30 minute private lesson at the current per lesson tuition rate in order that the teacher can keep you on track with your group.

Please email Amy Matherly, program coordinator, at Amy@pakmusic.org upon registration or tell your teacher during week one that you have to miss a class. Your teacher will work with you to find a private lesson time (before or after your week of absence).

School Year vs. Summer

The school year Suzuki program includes both a weekly private lesson and group class.  The summer First Steps program is an introductory group class.

Visit our Suzuki Program page for more information about the School year Suzuki program.

First Steps Faculty for Suzuki Violin & Cello

Amy Matherly, Madalyne Cross and Elizabeth Vysin have current and extensive Suzuki Association of the Americas registered training in the Suzuki approach.  Amy and Madalyne have taught the Suzuki method for well over 10 years; Elizabeth for about four years.

About Amy Matherly

In 2012, Amy became a Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Trainer and was awarded an SAA Certificate of Achievement. In addition to teaching, she has published many articles and method books about Suzuki teaching, music reading and fiddling. She has been a Pakachoag faculty member since 2009 and is the coordinator of the Pakachoag Suzuki program.

About Madalyne Cross

Madalyne Cross joined the Pakachoag faculty in 2015.  Madalyne holds a BM degree from New York University under the direction of Stephanie Baer and a MM with an emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy from the Hartt School where she studied viola with Rita Porfiris and Suzuki Pedagogy with Teri Einfeldt.

Read more about our First Steps teachers via the links below.

Amy Matherly, Suzuki Program Coordinator, Violin
Madalyne Cross, Violin
Elizabeth Vysin, Cello

Learn more about the Suzuki Method by visiting the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Other Summer Suzuki Offerings

Our Summer Suzuki Program also includes two other choices according to your level:

  1. Summer Suzuki Let’s Play Camp.  On hold for Summer 2021.
    For students playing in Suzuki Books 1 or 2.
    Learn More

2. Summer Fiddle Band.  For intermediate to advancing violinists.
Learn More

We also offer private lessons with Suzuki trained string teachers (or non-suzuki/traditional teachers), as space and schedules permit.