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By Lori O'Brien Correspondent SPRINGFIELD - Suzuki instruction has long been an important teaching method at the Community Music School of Springfield (CMSS) and later this year, faculty will launch a more coordinated program offering lessons on several instruments. Instruction will be available in violin, guitar and flute taught by members of the faculty who also have advanced training in the Suzuki teaching method. Among the faculty in the program will be Carol Hutter, violin; Martha Knieriem, violin and viola, and Sue Kurian, flute. The method was devised by Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki after World War II when he noticed children learned their native language quickly and became proficient by age five or six. He reasoned that if a child had the skill to acquire language, the child would also have the ability to become similarly proficient on an instrument. "The reason the target is ages five to seven at CMSS is to start children before they begin to read," said Mary Ellen Miller, Director of Faculty and Students, who spoke with Reminder Publications. "This method is an ear-based training method. Before children learn to read their aural skills are at their keenest. This method takes advantage of that strength." The reasons for offering this program are the same as the reasons for all music programs, added Miller. "Suzuki is not different," she said. "Music education builds community, fosters cultural awareness, strengthens family, encourages a love for music, supports positive values of cooperation and discipline, and unfortunately, in many cases provides an experience and an opportunity that has been cut from public school education." Miller noted that there are many ways to know who we are as a culture, as a society, and the tradition of music making is one of the oldest ways to understand and experience our place in the universe. The CMSS will host two informational meetings for parents on the expanded Suzuki program on March 27 at 7 p.m. and March 31 at 1 p.m. The CMSS is located at 127 State St. "The commitment for student/coach is a 30-minute private lesson, a 45-minute group lesson, and 20 minutes each day to practice," said Miller. "The practice time at home increases as the student progresses." Miller added the home coach process focuses on parents attending both private and group lessons and taking notes. "Then they guide the practice time at home," she said. "This is a fluid process according to the ages and stage of development of the child. The parent becomes the home teacher." For more information on the program or the informational sessions, call (413) 732-8428. Free parking in the CMSS garage is located adjacent to the building. | ||||||
