Darlington Art Center

Darlington’s Suzuki Violin Program

The Suzuki Method
The Suzuki method of learning to play the violin is based on the ideas of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. He believed every child has an innate musical talent and music is best learned in the same way that a native language is learned.  The main concepts of the Suzuki method include: starting lessons early, parent participation and encouragement, listening and daily practice, individual and group lessons.

Pre–Twinkle Violin
Pre-Twinkle classes prepare a child to approach the violin with an eager, successful, and musical disposition. Students will learn the fundamental elements of violin playing: basic posture, bow hold, violin hold, and 5 Suzuki rhythms in a fun and high-energy setting. This prepares students for the next level, Twinkler Violin.
Fall 2010 Pre-Twinkle Violin Classes are offered:
     Ages 3 – 4        Tues        5:30 – 6:00 PM        
     Ages 5 – 6        Tues        6:00 – 6:30 PM
     Ages 3 – 4        Wed        1:00 – 1:30 PM
     Teacher – L. Hacker     $225     18 weeks: Sept 14 – Jan 19   (Not 12/28, 12/29)

Twinkler Violin
Graduates of Darlington’s Pre-Twinkle Violin move up to Twinkler Violin. In addition to weekly group classes, students receive 30-minute weekly private lessons. Students will learn the 5 Suzuki Twinkle Sandwiches, including the notes to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and four variations of that song. This prepares students for the Suzuki Book 1 Group.
Fall 2010 Twinkler Violin:
     30-min lesson + Twinkler Group      $39/week
     Twinkler Group
            Tues        6:30 – 7:00 PM
            Teacher – L. Hacker        18 weeks: Sept 14 – Jan 18   (Not 12/28)
     Private Lessons arranged with Registrar at 610-358-3632 x103

Suzuki Book Groups
Upon graduation of Twinkler Violin, the students continue their weekly private lessons and progress through the Suzuki Violin Books. Once they reach Book 2, the student’s private lessons are expected to increase to 45-minutes a week.
2010-2011 Suzuki Book Groups:
     30-min lesson + Book 1 Group       $41/week
     45-min lesson + Book 2 Group       $55.50/wk
     Book 1        Sat        2:00 – 2:45 PM
     Book 2        Sat        2:45 – 3:30 PM
     Book 3        Sat        3:30 – 4:15 PM
     Teacher – Perniss        34 weeks: Sept 11 – June 4   (Not 11/27, 12/25, 1/1, 4/23, 5/28)

Performances
Darlington offers several opportunities for students to perform throughout the year. The Suzuki Violin Program has three recitals in 2010-2011 (Sundays at 2pm): December 12, January 30 and May 22. Program participants are also invited to perform at Darlington’s semi-annual fundraisers, as well as other special events.