Music Notes
Teaching and learning Suzuki Cello
Ms Evelyn Searle, Cello Teacher
My name is Evelyn Searle, and I am the cello teacher at Kilvington. I am currently in the final stages of receiving my Primary level of Suzuki accreditation for Cello.
Dr Suzuki developed what he called 'talent education', based on the premise that every child has potential; that talent is not inborn and is an outcome of the environment in which the child is raised. He also believed that it was important to teach 'character first', then ability, ensuring that the child is taught in a loving environment where important character traits such as self-esteem and confidence are developed through learning music.
The Suzuki methodology is also known as the 'mother tongue' approach. It is built on the belief that children learn their native language by listening to it being spoken around them as infants, so would benefit from learning music in the same way.
This approach means that children can start learning instruments from a younger age, learning first by ear through listening to recordings of their pieces every day, and then later being taught to read music just as a child learns to read much later than they begin to speak.
The role of the parent in Suzuki lessons is also extremely important, as the parent acts as a home teacher for the child, reinforcing points made in lessons through daily practice at home. Therefore, it is crucial that one of every child's parental figures is present at every lesson. Children also receive the opportunity to collaborate with other students learning the same pieces through once-a-term group classes.
Suzuki cello lessons are offered to children and their parents from the age of three depending on the maturity of the student. Please contact me at searlee@kilvington.vic.edu.au if you would like some more information.
Winter concert - 9 June
The Winter Concert will be on Wednesday 9 June from 7.00pm in Dalton Hall. The focus of our Winter Concert is to give our younger students (mainly Year 8 and below) an opportunity to perform in large and small ensembles.
Groups involved include Klefs, Years 5 and 6 Choir, Cantata, Kadenza, Marimba Mania, Arioso Quartet, Junior String Orchestra, Intermezzo, Junior Guitar ensemble and various soloists. Tickets are complimentary and will be available on TryBooking within the next few weeks.
Friday afternoon soirees
The Soirees provide a brilliant opportunity for music and speech/drama students of all levels, who learn both at School and privately, to perform in front a supportive audience.
All performances must be booked in, either by the student writing their name and performance details on the Friday afternoon soiree forms pinned up on the Notice Board in the Music building foyer, or by emailing Ms Carmel Slater (Head of Keyboard and Theory) at slaterc@kilvington.vic.edu.au.
Items should be no longer than 3 - 4 minutes, with a maximum of 14 items. The Soirees commence at 3.45pm and conclude at 4.30pm. Please contact Ms Slater for further information.
Year 2 String performance - 25 May
The Year 2 String Performance will take place on Tuesday 25 May at the Music School in Room PVC7. It will commence at 12.35pm and conclude at 1.05pm.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Diary dates – Term 2
- Year 2 String Performance – Tuesday 25 May, 12.35pm – 1.05pm
- Winter Concert – Wednesday 9 June, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
- Year 5 Band Concert – Thursday 10 June, 10.00am – 10.30am
- Friday Soirees – 14 May, 21 May, 28 May , 11 June and 18 June