NIU Suzuki Strings
Weekly Lesson
Students and their practice partner take an individual lesson once a week with their private teacher at the NIU Suzuki studio.The parent, student, and teacher are able to focus on the student’s specific needs. Parents take notes and recordings to help guide daily practice until the next lesson. Gradually students will take their own notes and recordings as they learn to practice independently. Lesson lengths will vary based on what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Determining factors include age, attention span, family budget and stage of advancement. Ideally a beginning student would start with a 30 or 45 minute lesson, a Suzuki Book 2-3 level student would take a 45 minute lesson and a Suzuki Book level 4 and up student could advance to a 60 minute lesson.
Group Lessons
All NIU Suzuki Strings students attend bimonthly group lessons. Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki experience as they reinforce concepts first introduced in private lessons. Students learning and playing in groups show a greater sense of motivation and progress at a more accelerated rate. Parents receive insights into what motivates their child as well as socially network with other Suzuki parents. Students are grouped according to age and level and listed in colors, though we occasionally meet all together. During group activities advanced students become role models and practice leadership skills while less advanced students are motivated by observing what is possible in their future!
Performances
The NIU Suzuki Strings program offers several performance opportunities throughout the year. All students perform individually in solo recitals and graduation celebrations as well as in groups concerts and community outreach events. We perform together at our annual fall workshop, retirement centers, historic homes, local town festivals and private events. We encourage our students to share their music in their schools and for service events. Our students gain confidence, poise, and stage presence from these experiences. Music is a performance art and is meant to be shared together as often as possible!
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I would love to meet you! I am here to answer questions and share details about the Suzuki Method and if this is a good fit for you and your child.
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There are several helpful resources about the Suzuki Method. Here is an overview of the principles from the Suzuki Association of the Americas website. It is highly recommended to learn more about the method through Shinichi Suzuki’s own words through his books, Nurtured by Love or Ability Development from Age Zero. There are several articles and books that help grow a deeper understanding of the reasons, principles and developments of the Suzuki Method. Registering for the course Every Child Can is also an immersive way to learn more as a Suzuki teacher or parent.
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So much of the Suzuki learning environment includes observation. Children learn from watching children and parents learn from talking together. By observing both individual and a group lessons, parents and children get a feel for the learning environment. You may observe for an entire semester or just a few lessons. This is a helpful time to see if the method and teaching style is a good fit for you and your child. Stay as long as you and your child can observe the lesson in a quiet and focused manner. This is a good time to familiarize yourself with the Studio Policies and Expectations.
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There is a two part Suzuki Parent orientation each fall (and occasionally in the spring) for all teachers and new parents to meet together without children present. At this time we discuss the Suzuki Philosophy and best practices and strategies for home practice and lesson participation. Once lessons have begun we pair new parents with veteran Suzuki parents (parents that have children enrolled in the program for two years or more). A mentor parent is on call for any concerns and questions. These questions or discussions could be regarding practice struggles to concert attire or refreshments, anything!
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Once we have talked together, you and your child have observed at least one individual and one group lesson, you have learned about the Suzuki method through reading and parent orientation and you have agreed to the studio policy and expectations, then we may find a lesson time that is agreeable to both parties. At this time you may register for the program and we may begin or work together! Registration and payments all go through the NIU Community School of the Arts. You may register online or by calling the CSA office at 815-753-1450.
Next steps
About Suzuki Method
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Shin’ichi Suzuki discovered that children learn language effortlessly. Later, Neuroscientists discovered that music shares the same pathways in the brain as language. Learning by ear first helps students develop fluency in music. Once the skills are ready, reading music is introduced in the same way we learn to speak before we read and write.
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Students are encouraged to begin music training from birth. Students and parents can attend musicianship class together and can begin listening to Suzuki recordings before starting lessons. Students typically start violin between the ages of 4-8.
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Each part of the Parent-Student-Teacher triangle is equally important. The teacher has the expertise in violin pedagogy, the parent is the practice partner and cheerleader, and the student is there to learn.
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Suzuki Students spend their beginning years learning to make a beautiful tone. With simple, step-by-step instructions, students can easily master an instrument as intricate as the violin. Once students learn the skills necessary for tone we begin working on mastering repertoire.
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Daily listening and weekly group class are unique aspects of the Suzuki Method. Children are immersed in music and inspire each other to reach for the next step.
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Lessons are not just about learning the violin, but the development of the whole child. The violin a vehicle for developing character, a love of culture, and to become good citizens of the world.
Performances
Testimonials
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![Ann's former student Dan Andree's band]()
“The day Ann Montzka-Smelser came into my life was the day my and my son’s lives were forever changed. She introduced us to the Suzuki violin method, one of the best qualities of which encourages the parent to be involved in lessons and in practice at home. The closeness this brought to my son and I is a special, enduring gift, as is the lifetime of joy in sharing music that Ann gave us. Her attentive, sensitive, and natural teaching style allowed all her students to be fully themselves in private and group lessons. Yet, focus was never far from the fundamental skills that would prove to be the foundation for my son’s professional career as a performing violinist/fiddler. Whether the goal of violin lessons is to foster community, gain structure, build creative problem-solving, or to give a lifetime of appreciation and love of music, Ann is the most capable teacher one could have to foster all of the above and more”.
— Andi Adree (former Suzuki parent) Dan Andree (professional violinist and former student)
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![Ann with two violin students]()
“Miss Ann is an outstanding teacher and person. I’ve had three children receive instruction from Ann and have been observing her teach for over 7 years. She has incredible intuition knowing what each child needs to understand the current concept and how much to push or pull to get the message understood. She’s not only an amazing teacher but all three of my children consider her to be one of the most important people in their lives. She somehow teaches her students how to be good human beings by teaching them how to play the violin. Ann models respect and love and kindness while talking about flexible thumbs, curved pinkies and loose knees.”
— Rachel Bystry (current Suzuki parent)
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![Violin student of Ann Montkza Smelser]()
"More than 7 years ago, Vaishi started her lessons with Ann, since then our experiences have been simply amazing.
Ann's extraordinary patience has been instrumental in Vaishi's development, creating an environment where learning music has become a genuine hobby to Vaishi rather than a chore, as it once used to be. Ann is incredibly engaging and drives her students to draw out their talents. She builds up a strong foundation for her students. It is especially apparent that she dedicates equal care and effort into each and every one of her students, as she approaches everyone with the same kindness and energy, as she is genuinely interested in their growth.
As Vaishi approaches graduation next year, we have already begun to feel really sad knowing that she won't be able to continue Ann's weekly Friday lessons, which have been a cherished part of our journey."
— Vish Sharma (current Suzuki parent)
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![A happy violin student]()
“I am immensely grateful for the musical journey Mrs. Ann has guided my kids through. Her expertise, patience, and passion have not only improved their violin skills but also deepened their love for music. We started the class during the pandemic time, even so, Ann made each lesson both enjoyable and effective. My two children have very different personalities and learning styles, and Mrs. Ann uses very different methods to teach them. They both can follow it very well! We really appreciate and are happy to have her being our kids' teacher!”
— Mia Huang (current Suzuki Mom)
