Cancellation Notice - The All School Concert will not be happening this year.
The Suzuki Method
Developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki Method focuses on nurturing innate musical potential in children by providing a supportive and encouraging environment. This uses a set repertoire of sheet music, encourages active parent involvement, and aims to develop not only musical skills but also character traits like patience, discipline, and perseverance.
Private Lessons
JMS offers one-on-one instruction in weekly 30 or 45 minute lessons. One parent attends all music lessons and works with the student at home. While independent practice and internal motivation is the eventual goal, parent involvement in the beginning years is critical. Suzuki teachers strive to create an atmosphere of enjoyment and understanding in lessons. When working with children Dr. Suzuki says we must come "down to their physical limitations and up to their sense of wonder and awe."
Group Classes
In addition to private lessons, group classes are valuable aids to motivation. Children learn from advanced students, peers, and the teacher. The group class model is based on the Suzuki philosophy that children love to do what they see other children do. Group Classes are vital to the Suzuki Method, and are therefore an expected commitment for all students. Group Class times and dates vary by instrument, reach out to our faculty for more information.
River Strings
River Strings is the Javaux Music School's advanced violin group. Students who are selected for River Strings are studying at the highest levels of performance in individual lessons. The group is given additional ensemble and performance opportunities including local community events, Sunday Music Series, advanced workshops, field trips, and more. River Strings as been featured alongside the Quincy Symphony and the Southeast Iowa Symphony.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Do Suzuki students learn to read music?
Yes, Suzuki students learn to be great music readers! Suzuki is often called the "mother tongue method," because music is taught the same way a child learns their native language. Just as a child learns to speak before they learn to read, a Suzuki music student learns basic technique and music ability before learning to read music.
What age is best to start Suzuki lessons?
While there is no age limit for beginning lessons, the Suzuki method is structured with young students in mind. Historically, the Suzuki method has had great success with students as young as age two and three. The Suzuki method is unique in its focus on children, and realizes that each child is unique and learns at their own pace. To see if your child is ready for lessons, contact us to schedule lesson observations today.
Is the Suzuki method only for those pursuing a career in music?
While many Suzuki students have gone on to become well-known musicians, the Suzuki method is for all students, regardless of their plans to pursue a career in music. Dr. Suzuki said, "Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. They get a beautiful heart." Our goal at the Javaux Music School is to enrich lives by listening to and playing fine music.
Why does the Suzuki method use a set repertoire?
The Suzuki method uses a set repertoire for each instrument, with each piece teaching a specific skill. This set repertoire provides motivation for students and clear goals. After hearing a more advanced student perform a piece in group class, many a Suzuki child has gone home and practiced diligently, because they could not wait to learn a piece later in the Suzuki repertoire! The set Suzuki repertoire also opens doors to incredible opportunities for Suzuki students to play together with other students who may not know one another, or even the same language, but who all know the same music.
Why must parents attend lessons?
Each student is required to have a "Practice Parent" (or guardian) that attends lessons, gives accountability for at-home practice, and encourages the student in their study of music. The Suzuki method is collaborative in nature, fostering a student-teacher-parent relationship working as a team towards success.