CSM offers tuition for learning the violin, viola, cello and double bass. All of these instruments are available in a variety of sizes from 1/10 sized through to full sized making them a good choice for younger students. These instruments are offered for hire which allows students to progress through on appropriately sized instruments without a huge financial outlay.
The violin is the heart and soul of the orchestra. It is the smallest of the stringed instruments, and therefore one of the instruments we recommend for young learners. Children can begin learning from age 5. There will always be a place in the orchestra for violin players, and talented students sometimes choose to transition to the viola after a couple of years of learning.
Sometimes described as a “big violin”, the viola is slightly larger than the violin and is a great choice of instruments for students who love the idea of playing in an orchestra. With a shortage of viola players worldwide, this instrument should appeal to students who are interested in pursuing music more seriously. It has a richer, darker tone than the violin and can be very expressive.
The cello is much larger than a violin and viola and is played sitting down. It has a very beautiful and expressive tone ranging from calm and solemn in the lower register through to passionate in the upper register. The cello has an important place in the orchestra and chamber music, and is also a great solo instrument.
The double bass is the largest and lowest sounding instrument in the string family and is a very versatile instrument which is used extensively in classical and jazz music and can also be heard in popular music. The introduction of 1/10 and 1/8 sized mini bass to our hiring pool means that students can now start learning this instrument from around 7 years old.
Dr. Suzuki believed that every child can learn a musical instrument given the right environment. Children who enrol in Suzuki violin or cello will have a 20 minute individual lesson weekly and a fortnightly group and theory lesson for 1 hour on a Saturday morning. As students advance, the teacher may suggest that they enrol in a 30 or 45 minute lesson. Suzuki students are introduced to reading music at their theory classes and gradually progress to written music at about Book 2 level. They are encouraged to join an orchestra once their reading skills are at the appropriate level.
Parent involvement is crucial to the success of the method. A parent is required to attend all lessons, practise with the child, supervise CD listening and attend related activities.
The important elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include the following: