Registration is now open!
This is an in-person music class, held at the VSO School of Music
| Wednesdays | 10:30–11:15am (Winter & Spring terms) | Mark Luchkow | 3–4 years old | $546 |
| Sundays | 12:00-12:45pm (Winter & Spring terms) | Ava Shadmani | 5–7 years old | $546 |
| Tuesdays | 5:15–6:00pm (Winter & Spring terms) | Cyrena Huang | 3–4 years old | $572 |
Course Description:
The Suzuki First Steps Together course introduces young children (ages 3–4 and Kindergarten/Grade 1) and their caregiver to the joy of learning music together, using the principles of the Suzuki Method. Over three phases, caregiver and child will develop essential string skills while strengthening their bond through shared musical experiences. In the first phase, children start with a “practice instrument”, learning skills like forming a bow hold, clapping and recognizing different rhythms, and finding balanced foot positions while caregivers establish a practice routine and familiarize themselves with the Suzuki philosophy. As they progress to exploring real instruments, children explore string names, bow control, and simple songs like “Pop Goes the Weasel”, while caregivers learn how to support their child’s practice. In the final phase, children integrate both hands to play simple melodies like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, while caregivers learn how to foster a positive learning environment and guide their child in private lessons.
Through this course, families will not only develop musical skills but also nurture a lifelong love of music and deepen their relationship to each other and the musical culture. As Dr. Shinichi Suzuki said, “Teaching music is not just teaching music; it is teaching life,” and our course offers a joyful, collaborative start to that journey.
Course Highlights:
- Caregiver Participation & Community Focus
Active caregiver involvement is central to the course and caregivers will learn to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” alongside their child. This process equips the caregivers to be the best helper for their child’s practice.
- Foundations for Success: Building Strong Routines and Habits
Led by experienced VSO SoM faculty and Suzuki teachers Mark Luchkow, Ava Shadmani and Cyrena Huang, the course focuses on building strong routines and habits from the start. Their expert guidance ensures that students develop solid technique while staying engaged and motivated.
- Listening, listening, listening
The Suzuki Method places a strong emphasis on listening. People may think of interval recognition tests when they hear “ear training”. Listening is a broader topic. We listen to develop precise intonation, but it is also useful for beauty of tone and expression, developing memory, and even for motivation.
Instrument Rental:
Please reach out to our registration team if you would like to know more about renting an instrument: info@vsoschoolofmusic.ca