Resources
Here are the calendars, files and links that are useful.
Files
Here is a link to a password protected google drive.
This is where all pertinent information can be found.
Lesson Calendar
Click here for the SignUp.com calendar. You can find individual and group lessons, concerts and recitals, and contact other families for lesson swaps or get togethers. Only currently enrolled students may sign up for or change lessons.
Lesson Policies
There are no make up lessons or credits offered for lessons missed by the student.
Lessons can be taught via Zoom or FaceTime if needed. If I need to cancel a lesson, credit will be given in the next month.
If you or your child have any symptoms of illness, please stay home and we can do a zoom or facetime lesson.
If your child is too ill to zoom, let me know while you use the email list to attempt to fill your spot. If that doesn't work, I will try to fit your child in for a lesson within the week. Make up lessons are not offered but I do my best to accommodate.
If there is a long term conflict, I will also do my best to accommodate you.
If you need to miss a lesson, it is your responsibility to arrange a lesson switch with another student. Please use the email list for that.
If you need a more permanent switch after the schedule is set in August, I will help to identify possible swaps but it is your responsibility to contact and arrange the swap with other families.
If you need to stop lessons during the school year, a month's notice with full tuition is required.
When you are promised a spot in the studio, you are paying for a regular, guaranteed time slot in the schedule every week and that time cannot be re-sold. These policies are fairly common in established music studios. If you would like to know more about the reasons behind this, you may read this article.
SUMMER:
Attending a summer Suzuki Institute is now required. The closest one in San Francisco is usually held the second week of July so please put that week aside. Here is a link to all Suzuki Summer Camps
https://suzukiassociation.org/events/institutes/
At least 4 lessons are required over the summer in order to keep your spot in the studio. Summer lessons can be in person, on Zoom, or asynchronous. Please ask me how those work.
Suzuki Studio Fees: due by September 1
These fees are due in full by September 1
Suzuki Group Lessons $250/student
Suzuki Studio Family fee of $88
The family fee includes: two recitals, three to five visiting clinicians or performers in person and/or on zoom.
2024-25 Suzuki Monthly Tuition: due by the first lesson on the month
30 minute $56
45 minutes $83
60 minutes $112
Monthly tuition is due in full by the first lesson of the month. Cash, check or Zelle. A late fee of $10 may be charged.
Non Suzuki or a la carte Lessons: due by the start of each lesson
30 minutes $56
45 minutes $83
60 minutes $112
Non Suzuki private lessons are offered to students who wish to study the violin but not with the Suzuki method.
A la carte private lessons are lessons that aren't part of the monthly schedule.
Lesson tuition is due by the start of each lesson.
Cash, check or Zelle.
Lessons will not be taught without paid tuition.
A la carte lessons must be signed up for by Sunday evening.
There are no make up lessons or credits offered for missed lessons.
If a lesson is missed, payment is required.
Lesson Length etc.
Each student has a weekly private lesson and a monthly group lesson.
Beginners have 30 minute lessons. At the middle of book 1, students have 45 minute lessons as we start learning how to read music.
Around book 4, a 60 minute lessons is often required.
Practicing and Listening
Students and parents commit to practicing the length of their lesson at least 5 days a week. Optimal learning occurs when students practice 1.5 times their lesson length, 7 days a week. Daily listening is required and is absolutely critical when learning by ear. Two hours a day of listening is the minimum. During those two hours you will be listening to the working piece 10x/day and the upcoming two pieces 10x/day each. A mixture of passive and active listening is optimum. Just like it is impossible to learn a new language without listening to the language, learning violin by ear is impossible without immersing yourself in the language of music.
Instruments
Beginners do not need an instrument to start. After a few lessons and when the student is ready, I will measure the student for the proper size violin and tell you where to rent it. (I always recommend Dolce Violins in San Rafael.) Check with me if you are thinking of buying or renting an instrument from anywhere else. They are usually not as high quality and your child’s experience will be much more frustrating and challenging than needed. And please do not move your child up to a larger instrument unless we have discussed it in lesson.
Most of my students rent locally from Moses at Dolce Violins. He and I have worked together and he knows what I want in a student instrument. Here is the website and a little bit of info.
All instruments will have new strings at the beginning of the rental period. During the rental period, customers can purchase replacement strings from Dolce Violins at a 20% discount off of the retail price, with no charge for installation.
When you receive your bow, it should have new hair and be in good condition. If you need to have your bow rehaired during the rental period you will need to pay for the rehair service. In the unlikely event that the bow is losing hair faster than expected, or the bow is malfunctioning for any reason, please bring it in to us and if a repair is required, we will be happy to fix or replace the bow at no additional charge.
We recommend that you bring your instrument in once a year for a free checkup and adjustment.
Parental Support
The Suzuki method is based on the teacher, parent, child Suzuki triangle. You are an important part of this relationship as the home practice coach and the support team. Examples of this support are video taping the lessons, taking detailed notes, setting up a consistent place and time for practicing at home, enabling listening, and being a supportive, loving and creative home coach. Please ask me more about this.
Community
You can engage in and support our Suzuki and music community by attending group lessons, the NorCal Suzuki Play In, community performances, a summer Suzuki Institutes, local live performances, the Marin Symphony, the Marin Youth Symphony, the SF Symphony, any chamber music performance, watching the PPO videos, and supporting music in the schools.
Important Books
Building Violin Skills by Edmund Sprunger
https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Books-DVDs/Building-Violin-Skills-by-Edmund-Sprunger.axd
Time to Practice: A Companion for Parents by Carrie Reuning-Hummel
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Practice-Companion-Carrie-Reuning-Hummel/dp/0978673409
Helping Parents Practice by Edmund Sprunger
https://www.amazon.com/Helping-Parents-Practice-Making-Easier/dp/0976785439
I prefer ordering from a local store or Shar Products but the individual book links weren't working.
Music Reading and Theory
1. Flash Cards
https://www.notesnstrings.com/
Get Violin. First Position. Laminate. Either regular or mini on a ring. The regular are easier to see and have musical questions on them.
2. Note/Rhythm Reading
I Can Read
Violin volume 1
https://www.alfred.com/i-can-read-music-volume-1/p/00-0439/
Magic Flute also carries it. Support your local business!!!
3. Theory Books
**I like this one because it introduces music history.
https://www.amazon.com/L65VN-Theory-History-Strings-Workbook/dp/0849705290
This is the most comprehensive one, but best for kids in late grade school
https://www.alfred.com/practical-theory-complete/p/00-1998/
This one seemed pretty good for the younger student. It is a but outdated regarding the illustrations but might be fun. You can look at mine if you want.
https://www.sharmusic.com/My-First-Theory-Book-Vol-1-By-Lynette-Cartagena?quantity=1
4. Scale Books: all at the Magic Flute. Support our local business!
#1 Uni-Tunes Violin
https://www.swstrings.com/product/music/any/SH-K88VN
#2 A Tune A Day: A beginning scale book
https://www.halleonard.com/product/14034199/a-tune-a-day-violin
#3 Samuel Flor I like to Play Scales for the Violin
https://www.sharmusic.com/Flor-Scales-For-The-Violin?quantity=1
Other books
If you want to give your student another book just to get them going and give them more experience at reading, this is the book I used when I taught violin in the schools
Covid Adjustments
Private and group lessons might be taught over Zoom or Face Time.
Being organized really helps with online lessons.
Have all of your materials in a binder, labeled and your books in order ready to go.
Please print out practice logs from the Google drive. I will write notes on my practice log for each student and then send a photograph of the log to the parent and you can add those notes to your log if necessary.
Have your stand set up and a pencil and notebook ready.
Make sure your violin is tuned to 441A before starting the lesson.
Have your phone ready and have space free for taking videos.
I am happy to listen or view small audio/video clips and give you feedback during the week if you have questions or debates.
Utilize the links and book recommendations that I have posted for ideas and inspiration.
Playing for relatives and friends over zoom brings joy to others and is a fun way for your child to "practice".
Strings
Unless you recently moved up a size in your violin, you need new strings. Strings should be replaced every 6 months. If you are not getting them from Dolce or Ifshin, please order from Shar not amazon. Reputable violin dealerships etc have fresher strings and know what they are doing. Shar will also answer any questions you might have.
If we have talked about going up a size, now is the time before school music classes "start". I always recommend Dolce Violins in San Rafael.
Contact your rental person for their preferred strings. Fractional sized violins have fewer choices. Full size violins have more choices.
I have used dominant strings (with a silver D and a different E) for years.
Two Es I use are Lenzner Goldbrokat Steel E string thick and Pirastro Eudoxa E string medium.
It is usually cheaper to order a set of strings and then add the E string you want rather than buying the strings separately. (for instance a Dominant set with silver D plus the Eudoxa E)
Here is a good chart for prices and tones. Keep in mind that I like the warm and subtle side of things. But DON'T buy gut (or synthetic gut) strings. Those are only for baroque instruments and they go out of tune continuously.
https://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/How-To/Strings/Strings-Chart/Violin-String-Chart/
My new favorite is the Larsen Tzigane but they take a long time to break in. (They react super fast so it's like driving a race car... maybe not for kids! )
***** VERY IMPORTANT******* make sure you order the loop or ball ends. Look on your tail piece where the fine tuners are. Look underneath the tailpiece as well. If you see a hole that the string goes through you need the ball end. If there is a loop that the string hooks around, you need the loop end. You will see which ones you have. If you only have one fine tuner you might need a loop E and ball A,D,G. (Pro tip, you can remove the ball if you need to. But you can't go the other way.) Text me a photo if you are unsure.
Also order the correct size!!!
A few of my favorite things
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Rosin: Pirastro Goldflex rosin is what I use. It might seem expensive but if you don't drop it it can last for 10+ years.
https://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Rosin/Pirastro-Goldflex-Rosin-for-Violin-and-Viola.axd
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This is a great book of Music by Black Composers with not only Suzuki appropriate level pieces but lots of history etc.
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My preferred shoulder rest is the Everest. It comes in all sizes and may colors. Small people with small violins might need shaped foam.
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My preferred stand is this one.
I have two, they are sturdy and portable. The best of both worlds. They go high enough for adults and you can write on music with them (unlike the wire stands) But it is expensive and bigger than the small wire ones. In an ideal world you would have one of each. The Manhassat for your house and the folding wire one for traveling.
This is the taller wire one but it is cheaper so probably not as good.
Here is a more expensive one (and probably better, you get what you pay for!)
I have one solid Manhasset stand that I got from conservatory. That is great and sturdy but can't collapse. You also need special foot coverings for it if you have wood floors.
I have about 7 folding wire stands.
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Now is a good time to make sure you have all the books you need as well. (Suzuki books 1 etc.) If you are starting book 2, you also need quint and position etudes. If you are starting Minuet 1, you need flash cards, I Can Read book and a theory book that I recommend. I do have some duplicate of various books so check with me first. Get the new Hilary Hahn recordings for books 1-3.
Calendar
2024-25 Dates
Aug 19
Official lessons start
Aug 29
100 Day Practice Challenge starts, ends Dec 6
TBD
Public Performance in Downtown San Anselmo
https://www.townofsananselmo.org/1483/San-Anselmo-Live-On-The-Avenue-Music-Ser
TBD
Holiday Performance at the San Anselmo Library
Recitals
Friday Dec 6 and Mar 21
Arrive at 4:30
Recital starts at 5:00
Redwoods Presbyterian Church, Larkspur
https://www.redwoodspres.org/
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Group Lesson Dates:
Aug 30
Sept. 13?
Oct 11
Oct 25
Dec 6 RECITAL
Jan 24
Feb 28
Mar 21 RECITAL
April 18 Guest Artist: Matt Jaffe
May 9
July 8-11 San Fran Suzuki Institute
Group Class Testimonials
Comments from the Star Wars class:
"Thank you for setting up the Star Wars Zoom class! My daughter and I both thought it was interesting and she wants to learn the Luke Skywalker theme. She had never seen Star Wars so she is now very keen to watch it. It was interesting to hear about all of the different themes and how they were inspired by other music, and I liked all of the examples Dr Speicher showed to illustrate different periods and types of music. I'll definitely listen more closely the next time I watch those movies."
"I thought the session was awesome. Dr Speicher was excellent; very engaging and knowledgeable. I was impressed with the quality of the information and I learned a lot. Overall, kudos to you for thinking out of the box, coordinating the session and bringing new and fresh info to your students and parents. Thank you! "
Comments from the Harry Potter class:
"My daughter LOVED the Harry Potter class. She really enjoyed seeing the movie through the music as she had never paid attention to that before. She also really liked learning about the music that was tied to the characters. Dr. Speicher brought great energy and enthusiasm to the lesson and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for putting this together!"
"Thank you so much for the (Harry Potter) class yesterday-- Dr. Speicher was enthusiastic, engaging, knowledgeable, and so much fun!"
"Charmian does an incredible job incorporating talented, Grammy award winning professional musicians into the group lesson format to showcase the range of current and future possibilities playing the violin -- the sessions are all interactive and the guests, professional musicians, have a tie back to learning violin through the Suzuki method which is inspiring to students and parents alike."
Other Stuff
Websites, podcasts, camps, Suzuki Institutes, performances, etc.
Suzuki Association of the Americas
The SAA is where you find everything Suzuki. Especially useful: articles, conversations, and institutes.
Bulletproof Musician
A performance psychologist on the faculty of The Juilliard School (and former Suzuki kid!) uses research in sports and the arts to explore aspects of performing and practicing music.
Teach Suzuki with Paula Bird
For parents and teachers.
Building Noble Hearts
How do we create environments in which children and also the adults around them are encouraged to become fine individuals?
To explore the answers, we will focus on the community started by humanitarian violinist Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. He saw that by teaching children to play music in the same way that a baby is lovingly taught to speak, he could not only create excellent musicians but build noble hearts in children as well.
Parents as Partners
New Series in 2020: Parents as Partners Online (PPO) was a six week event that featured over…Suzuki related topics. This unique program was intended to nurture parents, whether new or veterans to the Suzuki Method. Response to…PPO was much more than originally anticipated, with 6,552 parents and teachers enrolled! Such a turnout reflects a keen interest…Talks about teens and talks by teens Practice perspectives from parents and creative practice strategies from teachers Discussion of the transition… Read more
Suzuki Online Media Library
Excellent resource for ideas, practice videos and accompaniment.
Kerstin Wartberg videos
Subscribe to her Youtube video channel. Invaluable videos!