Melbourne / Ashburton / Macedon Ranges
“We love our violin lessons with Chantal Jones! Her classes are fun and engaging, and as a teacher she is both encouraging and supportive. Chantal is a natural when it comes to working with children and both my daughters love learning with her. Chantal’s many years of teaching experience is evident and her passion for the violin is infectious. I highly recommend learning violin with Chantal Jones!”
-Anne, mother of Sian (9Years) and Ishi (13years)
“Chantal has an uncommon gift for teaching. This is especially evident in how she draws out innate but hidden abilities in young children, and transforms young people with violins into musicians. With kindness and encouragement, she not only sets children on a lifelong journey in the practice of music, but gives them a genuine love for it.”
– Tracy, mother of Adam (9 years)
More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the Mother-Tongue Approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc, are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.
The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music.
Once reading has commenced it is practiced on a daily basis and the Suzuki student becomes a confident reader because of this. The reading repertoire is separate from the Suzuki books and students can join ensembles, chamber music and orchestra to further develop their reading skills.
The Graduation is a celebration of the student’s achievement on reaching a high level of playing at each book level.
There are 10 Suzuki books and post book 10+ graduations.
The last graduation is the complete Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn.
The Graduation piece is recorded with accompaniment and sent into the Victorian Suzuki Association to be audited.
The student will receive a written report and certificate.
The Weekly program consists of:
The student’s lesson is attended by a parent, and the first few lessons are devoted to instrumental instruction for the parent.
This gives the parent confidence to help with the follow up practice at home. When the parent can play the first pieces on the instrument the child can begin.
If the parent has any questions about their child’s development, this can be addressed at the end of the lesson.
Group playing reinforces the work done in the private lesson and provides incentive and stimulus important for children of all ages.
The Group Playing Class is a fun-filled environment where parents are able to observe the artistic development of their child.
Children play together as an ensemble, and also have solo performance opportunities that develop confidence within a supportive friendship group.
The Suzuki method depends upon the active and enthusiastic participation of the parent. The parent attends every lesson with the child and works at home as a surrogate teacher, supervising the child’s daily practice. The cooperative triangle team formed by the teacher, the child and the parent is what propels the success of the child.
Parent classes can be done with other beginner Suzuki parents or individually. It is not necessary to have your own full size violin, as the child’s violin is sufficient.
Bow hold and posture are taught to better understand the experience your child will go through. The first pieces are also taught so the parent can help at home and be a head of the beginner lessons.
Lessons must be video- taped with the recordings serving as a guide to home practicing. It is important that the parent who works with the child at home is the one who attends the lessons and the Parent Classes.
The Suzuki Intermediate Student continues to have individual lessons and also Intermediate group classes with other students who are at the same level. The individual lesson is usually lengthened to allow more time for technical development at this level.
The Annual Suzuki Festival is an inspirational event where students can participate in lesson and concerts with world class international, interstate and local Suzuki teachers. Reading development continues with exposure to Orchestra and Ensembles. The student has begun to include a weekly theory class to help with musicianship and reading skills.
The Suzuki advanced student continues to have senior group class with other students who are also at this level. The Virtuoso Program is offered for students to further develop their performance skills. The Virtuoso Program is a master class of solo performances with an audience. The Advanced student will be offered chamber music and orchestral opportunities. There is also the opportunity to play in the Show Case Concert at the Annual Suzuki Spring Festival with an international audience. The Advanced student can now decide whether they would like to prepare for the Year 12 VCE music exam. This preparation can begin as early as year 10.
This Suzuki Studio welcomes transfer students into its Suzuki Program and Advanced Program. Students are considered for transfer if they have already learnt from another Suzuki Teacher or traditional teacher. It is important that the student wishing to come into the Suzuki studio observes other students’ lessons and also group class. The parent will need to have a basic understanding of the Suzuki Method and philosophy.
If you would like enquire about enrolling in the Studio, or have questions about the Suzuki Violin method, please contact Chantal –
Please wait to get the expert advice of the teacher as there are many options and prices to consider. The size also needs to be confirmed by the teacher. Violins come in fractional sizes to suit each child’s size and height.
A child will usually move to the next size violin anywhere between 6 months to 1½ years.
A make up lesson will be given where possible in that same term. There is also a group class make up lesson at the end of every term for anyone who has not been able to come to a lesson for whatever reason.
An invoice will be given to the parent on the first lesson of every term. The full terms fees are paid in advanced by the second lesson. This includes the Parent Class, The Individual Lesson and the Group Lesson.
The studio follows the Public School yearly calendar.
There are no lessons on Public Holidays.