Suzuki Method and Philosophy
Any child can learn to play a musical instrument. The purpose of study- ing besides developing skill and aptitude for music is to cultivate happiness, strength and self confidence through a love of music. By growing up with music, children can ultimately help in creating a better world. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, founder of his unique approach to music education, believed that every child has musical potential. The Suzuki approach is based on the mother tongue theory, which allows students to listen and recreate, learning music just as they learn to speak a language. Listening to recordings or live performances of the music before playing helps children develop a sense of correct pitch, rhythm, sensitivity to sound, musical phrasing, and more.
The Academy's string instrument classes follow the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki who founded the Talent Education Method in Japan in the late 1940’ies. The principle of this method is that every child can learn if given the right support and environment. They learn by listening, reproducing and progressing in small steps, one at a time. Parents’ role is major. Another name for the method is the “Mother Tongue Approach.”
Partnerships
SSA participates in alliances and partnerships with local and regional community organizations. Currently we are charter members of the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, LVPAC. We conduct Suzuki Violin Classes at the Crowden Music Center in Berkeley, CCMC. We also hold Kindermusik classes in the Livermore Area Park and Recreation District, LARPD.
Suzuki Classes
SSA runs a year around forty week instruction calendar. Suzuki students have one individual and one group lesson each week. The Academy offers lessons on string instruments to children from three years old up through high-school age. The current students represent all levels of the Suzuki curriculum, from beginning to advanced levels. Throughout the school year and summer, students perform in numerous formal concerts and recitals as part of our concert series. They also perform at informal recitals internally at the academy and as out reach to the community. Performance is an integral part of the students’ education. The program includes chamber music and orchestra classes for further performance experience.
History
The Sycamore Strings Academy program is the continuation of a long established educational program in our area. It has existed since 1984 in Livermore and is currently a sole propriety business owned by Artistic Director and Senior Violin Teacher Göran Berg. The Artistic Director and the teaching staff administer the educational program with operational support.
Other Classes
In addition to core Suzuki classes SSA also arranges classes in guitar for students age seven and up. In association with LARPD, we arrange early education classes according to the world renowned Kindermusik method for children age one and a half to seven years.