Parent/Student Handbook Fall 2015 Semester

A NOTE FROM JENNY MURPHY…………………………………………………1 Tone Academy of Music, Founder and Executive Director

HOLIDAYS AND CLASS SCHEDULE………………..……………………………2

LIST OF NECESSARY MATERIALS………………………………………………3

INSTRUMENT RENTAL…………………………………………………………….5

THE SUZUKI METHOD Suzuki Philosophy……………………………………………………………………..6 The 3 Pillars…………………………………………………………..……..…………7The At-Home Teacher………………………………………..………………………8 Listenings…………………………………………………………..……..……………8 Home Practices…………………………………………………………..….…………9

STUDIO POLICY AND ATTENDANCE…………………………………………..10 Registration Illness Policy Payment

RECITAL INFOWinter Recitals…….……………………………………………………..……..…..….11 Outreach Concerts..……………………………………………………………..……11 Concert Attires…….…………………………………………………………………11 Concert Etiquettes…………………..…………………..……………………………12

FAQs…………………………………………………..………………..……………13

CONTENTS

1

A Note from Tone Academy of Music Founder and Executive Director,

Jenny Murphy

Mrs.  Jenny  with  former  SAA  President,    Dr.  Landefeld

Welcome  to  Tone  Academy  of  Music!  

I've  never  been  a  teacher  that  measures  success  by  the  number  students  I  have  who  become  professional  musicians.  Dr.  Suzuki  never  set  out  to  create  violinists.  With  his  wisdom,  the  faculty  at  Tone  Academy  of  Music  is  helping  beautiful  hearts  to  grow!  And  grow  we  have!  I'm  overjoyed  that  our  school  has  blossomed  into  a  community  of  over  220  students  and  their  families.  That  is  a  true  measure  of  success!  

As  you  may  know,  I  started  my  own  Suzuki  lessons  when  I  was  2  years  old  and  after  13  years  of  teaching,  I'm  still  learning  from  my  amazing  students  and  from  the  talented  team  of  instructors  that  I  work  with  every  day.    Not  only  are  we  one  of  the  only  schools  in  the  area  to  provide  traditional  as  well  as  full  Suzuki  Program  offerings,  we  are  actively  creating  classes  that  redefine  music  education  and  allow  the  children  to  experience  the  widest  range  of  music  education  possibilities.  

We’re  also  lucky  to  have  our  director,  Ms.  Alyssa,  developing  our  voice  department,  a  new  early  childhood  music  curriculum,  and  extending  our  offerings  into  poetry,  arts,  and  chorus.  

The  community  we’ve  created  together  is  awe  inspiring!  Each  recital  we  complete  I  hear  more  and  more  advanced  pieces  and  see  more  Twinkler’s  excited  to  play  in  their  footsteps.  Now  at  our  expanded  home  on  Baxter  St.,  we  can  grow  even  more  seedlings  who  love  music  and  enjoy  the  journey  with  their  families.  I  know  that  our  new  space  will  take  some  tweaks  here  and  there  to  be  perfect,  but  I’m  so  excited  to  share  all  of  the  hard  work  and  love  that’s  been  put  into  the  school!  

If  you’re  new  to  the  Suzuki  Method,  you're  about  to  embark  on  an  incredible  journey  with  your  child.  If  you’re  familiar  with  Suzuki  already,  please  share  your  support  and  knowledge  with  other  families.  My  deep  hope  is  that  Tone  Academy  can  achieve  Dr.  Suzuki's  goal  of  bettering  the  world  through  music  and  love.  

Happy  Practicing,    Jenny  Murphy

Fall 2015 Holiday Calendar

My Lessons Times: Fall Semester

Sept 13-Jan 16

Thanksgiving Break

Nov 26-Dec 1

Winter Break

Dec 20 - Jan 2

Make-Ups & Recitals

Jan 17-Jan 30

Includes  1  week  in  January!

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Necessary Materials

Music Prep Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • The  Suzuki  Early  Childhood  Education  CD  and  Booklet    

(found  at  http://www.suzukiece.com/Pages/cart.htm)

Violin Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • The  Suzuki  CD  and  Book  (found  at  amazon.com)  for  appropriate  book  level.  Purchasing  the  book/cd  pack  is  often  available.  

• Lesson  notebook  will  be  provided,  and  must  return  with  student  each  week  

• Empty  cardboard  macaroni  (or  similar  size)  box,  a  ruler  or  paint  stick,  and  a  wooden  dowel.  These  materials  will  be  made  into  a  practice  violin  and  only  need  to  be  brought  by  beginner  students.  

Piano Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • The  Suzuki  CD  and  Book  (found  at  amazon.com)  for  appropriate  book  level.  Purchasing  the  book/cd  pack  is  often  available.  The  piano  instructor  might  request  additional  music  books.  

• Lesson  notebook  will  be  provided,  and  must  return  with  student  each  week.  •Beginning  students  do  not  need  to  have  a  piano  or  keyboard  by  the  first  lesson,  but  an  at-­‐home  practice  instrument  is  required  after  the  3rd  lesson.  Tone  Academy  instructors  are  happy  to  answer  any  questions  about  instruments  before  purchasing.  

Guitar Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • Lesson  notebook  will  be  provided,  and  must  return  with  student  each  week.  

•An  instrument  is  required  after  the  1st  lesson.  The  instrument  should  be  brought  to  each  lesson.  

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Voice Students

Please  provide  the  following:  •Please  purchase  a  3-­‐ring  binder  to  keep  all  music  and  practice  sheets  in.  This  should  be  brought  to  all  lessons.  •Additional  music  and  theory  books  may  be  required.  

Recorder Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • The  Suzuki  CD  and  Book  (found  at  amazon.com)  for  appropriate  book  level.  Purchasing  the  book/cd  pack  is  often  available.  The  instructor  might  request  additional  music  books.  

• Lesson  notebook  will  be  provided,  and  must  return  with  student  each  week.  

•Recorders  will  be  provided  for  beginners,  but  an  instrument  is  required  after  the  3rd  lesson.  The  instrument  should  be  brought  to  each  lesson.  

Cello Students

Please  provide  the  following:  • Lesson  notebook  will  be  provided,  and  must  return  with  student  each  week.  

•An  instrument  is  required  after  the  1st  lesson.  The  instrument  should  be  brought  to  each  lesson.  

•An  appropriate  height  chair  will  be  provided  at  lessons,  however  a  practice  chair  of  correct  height  is  needed  for  home  practice.  

• The  Suzuki  CD  and  Book  (found  at  amazon.com)  for  appropriate  book  level.  Purchasing  the  book/cd  pack  is  often  available.  The  instructor  might  request  additional  music  books.  

5

String Instrument Rental

Beginner  students  are  not  required  to  have  an  instrument  to  begin  lessons.  The  teacher  will  instruct  families  when  it  is  appropriate  to  get  an  instrument.  Students  do  not  have  to  rent  from  Tone  Academy,  but  it  is  always  best  to  discuss  the  instrument  rental  and  purchase  options  with  your  teacher.  There  are  a  lot  of  facts  to  know  before  finding  an  instrument  and  teachers  are  happy  to  help!  

Johnson  Strings  is  a  valued  partner  with  Tone  Academy  and  make  monthly  trips  to  Tone.    If  your  rental  has  been  arranged  through  them,  payments  must  be  made  directly  through  JSI,  but  any  returns  or  repairs  can  be  dropped  off  at  Tone  Academy.  

The  instruments  provided  for  rent  are  the  private  property  of  Jenny  Murphy.  

Rental Fees and Accessory Prices

Jenny  Murphy  will  collect  $25.00  payment  per  month  for  rental  fees  of  Suzuki  Instruments.  A  semester-­‐long  credit  card  authorization  for  automatic  payment  can  also  be  provided.  

Terms  and  Conditions  of  String  Instrument  Rental  Program:  

•Rented  instruments  are  the  responsibility  of  the  customer,  i.e.  the  parent  or  guardian  of  the  child,  and  the  said  responsibility  includes  reimbursement  to  Jenny  Pham  for  any  instrument  which  is  lost  or  stolen,  as  well  as  any  damage  to  the  instrument  as  a  result  of  negligence  or  willful  destruction.  

• Jenny  Pham  reserves  the  right  to  repossess  any  instrument  if  the  account  becomes  delinquent  by  sixty  (60)  days  or  more.  The  parent  or  guardian  will  be  responsible  for  the  outstanding  balance  of  unpaid  rental  fees  on  the  account  and  any  and  all  collection  costs  involved.  

• If  any  Balance  Due  remains  unpaid  for  more  than  one  month  beyond  the  statement  date,  a  LATE  CHARGE  of  5%  of  the  total  of  any  unpaid  rental  payments  will  be  added  to  the  balance  due,  with  a  MINIMUM  LATE  CHARGE  of  $3.00  and  MAXIMUM  LATE  CHARGE  of  $35.00.

Rental Program Return Policy

Instruments  are  rented  on  a  month  to  month  basis.  Rented  instruments  may  be  returned  to  Jenny  Pham  at  any  time  thereby  terminating  the  instrument  rental  agreement.  The  instrument  must  be  returned  in  person.  The  rental  agreement  will  be  canceled  when  the  instrument  is  received  forfeiting  the  remainder  of  the  month  with  no  pro-­‐rating.  A  renter  may  trade  in  their  instrument  for  another  size  at  anytime  without  penalty.

6

Suzuki Philosophy

In  the  early  1930s,  Shinichi  Suzuki’s  “mother  tongue”  method  for  music  provided  dramatic  evidence  of  his  ability  to  penetrate  to  the  simple  truths  that  lie  at  the  heart  of  complex  human  behavior.  His  observations  about  early  language  learning  resulted  in  a  unique  contribution  to  the  field  of  education  by  illuminating  the  profound  significance  of  what  appeared  to  the  rest  of  humanity  as  mere  common  sense.    

What  is  now  known  as  the  Suzuki  Method,  both  its  underlying  philosophy  and  its  pedagogical  techniques,  springs  from  Suzuki's  down-­‐to-­‐  earth,  eminently  practical  analysis  of  the  ways  in  which  children  learn  their  mother  tongue.  

Additionally,  as  children  are  taught  to  talk  before  they  read,  so  does  the  Suzuki  student  learn  to  master  the  technique  of  their  instrument  before  they  are  challenged  by  learning  how  to  read  written  music.  Tone  offers  beginning  to  advanced  musicianship  and  theory  courses  as  well  as  improvisation  at  the  earliest  stages  of  instruction  that  mirrors  the  progress  a  student  has  on  their  instrument.  

The  goal  from  the  very  first  day  is  to  foster  a  deep  love  and  appreciation  for  music.  Through  positive  reinforcement  and  the  constant  support  of  instructors  and  parents,  each  child  is  given  the  opportunity  to  explore  and  grow  at  their  own  pace.  

And  as  with  all  disciplines,    learning  an  instrument  does  take  dedication,  but  while  some  families  are  ready  to  enroll  in  a  full  program  of  classes  others  choose  to  experiment  with  simply  

private  lessons  first.  Most  importantly,  we  at  Tone  believe  any  time  we  spend  with  our  children  enjoying  music  is  time  well  spent!

Suzuki's  Vision:  •Playing  an  instrument  is  the  means  to  many  other  goals.  •What  is  learned  through  music  will  benefit  children  in  whatever  career  they  choose.  

• Through  this  nurturing  education,  Suzuki's  greatest  desire  was  to  enable  all  children  to  have  high  values,  fine  sensibilities,  and  beautiful  hearts.  

•Nurturing  the  hearts  of  children  will  gradually  change  the  world.  

Every  Child  Can,  Suzuki  Association  of  the  Americas

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“When  love  is  deep,  much  can  be  accomplished.”  -­‐  Suzuki  

Most  adults  have  some  experience  in  music  lessons  –  and  most  adults  remember  it  being  frustrating  and  difficult!  One  of  the  most  important  differences  in  the  Suzuki  Method  experience  is  that  the  parent,  student,  and  teacher  are  equal  participants  in  the  lessons.  After  attending  weekly  instruction  with  the  teacher,  the  parent  becomes  the  “At  Home  Teacher”  6  days  a  week.  This  teamwork  creates  the  strongest  support  for  the  child's  greatest  success.  

A  nanny,  parent,  or  guardian  must  come  to  every  class  or  private  lesson  with  the  student  in  order  to  understand  the  practice  assignment.  If  the  caregiver  does  not  speak  English,  please  email  for  the  practice  points  and  provide  a  recording  device  for  the  private  lessons.  The  member  section  of  the  website  will  also  have  practice  materials  and  video  clips  of  the  classes  and  lessons  as  well  as  a  section  for  parents  to  blog  their  questions.  Tone  Academy  hopes  to  foster  a  community  of  parents  as  a  wealth  of  knowledge  and  support.  

In  the  lessons,  the  parent  should  sit  where  the  lesson  can  be  seen,  but  without  distracting  the  child  by  using  a  cell  phone  or  “coaching  from  the  sidelines.”  Your  attitude  and  attention  toward  the  lesson  will  determine  your  child's  attitude  and  attention.  Please  take  complete  notes  in  a  notebook  that  can  be  brought  to  each  lesson  and  ask  questions  if  the  practice  points  are  unclear.  

Parents  are  also  encouraged  to  read  Dr.  Suzuki's,  “Nurtured  By  Love,”  which  can  be  borrowed  or  purchased  from  Tone  Academy.

The At-Home Teacher

8

The Three Pillars of the Suzuki Method

1.  Mother-­‐Tongue  Learning  

It  might  seem  obvious  to  expect  babies  who  grew  up  in  Japanese-­‐speaking  households  to  speak  Japanese  and  not,  say,  German,  but  it  was  Dr.  Suzuki  who  applied  the  concept  of  learning  a  native  tongue  to  talent  education.  By  first  being  encouraged  to  listen  to  music  in  a  nurturing  environment,  children  are  able  to  learn  technique  and  expression  in  their  own  time  with  lots  of  encouragement  along  the  way.  We  all  know  children  are  “little  sponges,”  but  to  see  Mother-­‐Tongue  learning  in  

2.  The  Suzuki  Triangle:  Parent-­‐Student-­‐Teacher  

Many  adults’  early  experiences  in  music  instruction  involve  being  forced  into  lessons,  coerced  into  practicing,  and  frustrated  by  lack  of  attention.  In  a  Suzuki  environment  the  parent,  student,  and  teacher  are  all  equally  important.  The  student  has  freedom  to  express  and  explore,  the  teacher  acts  as  a  guide,  and  the  parent  learns  at  the  same  time  as  the  child  in  order  to  be  a  better  “at  home”  teacher.  The  importance  of  a  parent  experiencing  both  the  frustration  of  learning  something  foreign  and  excitement  at  the  mastery  of  a  skill  is  elemental  to  the  joy  parent  and  child  will  share  in  the  journey.

3.  The  Law  of  Ability  

Dr.  Suzuki  believed,  as  all  parents  know  to  be  true,  that  our  children  have  inborn  talent.  As  educators  and  parents,  it  is  our  duty  and  responsibility  to  tap  into  that  well  of  natural  learning  ability.  Through  various  interaction  in  group  classes,  concerts,  student  recitals,  and  private  lessons,  the  vast  ability  of  our  children  can  be  nurtured  to  grow.

Parent Teacher

Student

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Listening

“Listening  until  we  remember  is  not  enough.    We  must  listen  until  we  cannot  forget.”  -­‐  Suzuki  

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  student  can  begin  to  recognize  them  immediately.  Fill  your  child's  world  with  quality  music  –  they'll  learn  from  their  environment!  

Remember  that  if  we  only  spoke  “baby  talk”  to  our  children,  they  would  never  grow  up  to  speak  clearly.  Providing  complex,  quality,  and  constant  music  will  broaden  your  child's  

musical  vocabulary.  

Every  student  is  required  to  purchase  the  prescribed  Suzuki  CD/MP3  download  for  each  instrument  and  level.  This  is  100%  the  most  important  tool  for  success!

Home Practice

“Ability  equals  knowledge  plus  10,000  times.”  -­‐  Suzuki  

The  most  important  consideration  of  the  Suzuki  Teacher  is  that  talent  

education  be  an  enjoyable  and  positive  experience  for  the  family,  but  even  the  professional  musician  will  tell  you  that  

practicing  is  sometimes  difficult.    Dr.  Suzuki  compared  practice  to  the  homework  one  must  do  in  order  to  succeed  in  school.    

Your  teacher  will  have  many  ideas  and  games  to  help  guide  a  productive  practice  session  while  the  Suzuki  Parent  makes  sure  the  assignments  are  done  correctly.  Your  child  will  

likely  understand  the  musical  aspects  even  better  than  you,  but  you  will  be  much  better  at  the  motivation  and  organization!

10

Studio Policy and Attendance

Because  lessons  and  classes  are  scheduled  back-­‐to-­‐back,  it  is  important  to  arrive  on  time  to  your  lesson.  Lessons  can  not  run  over  time  if  begun  late.  Remember  to  visit  the  restroom  with  your  child  before  the  lesson  time.  

Registration Policy

1. Refunds  will  be  given  only  if  parent  withdraws  before  the  3rd  class  of  the  new  semester,  minus  10%  and  will  forfeit  the  registration  fee.  

2. Each  child  is  entitled  to  2  make-­‐up  sessions  per  semester.  Any  absences  exceeding  the  2  allowed  will  be  forfeit  and  will  not  be  made  up.  Make  up  lessons  will  be  scheduled  between  Jan  17th  –  Jan  30th.  This  policy  has  changed  from  our  past  years  where  24  hour  notice  was  required.  Our  hope  is  that  this  new  policy  can  be  more  accommodating  to  unforeseen  illnesses  or  emergencies.  Any  questions  regarding  the  attendance  policy  should  be  directed  to  jenny@toneacademyofmusic.com  

3. All  children  must  attend  private  lessons  with  a  parent  or  caregiver.  Older  students  may  attend  group  lessons  by  themselves,  but  guardian  is  never  allowed  to  leave  the  premises.  

4. All  lessons  and  classes  are  based  on  a  14  week  semester.  There  are  2  weeks  at  the  end  of  the  Spring  semester  to  complete  possible  make-­‐up  lessons.  All  make  up  lessons  must  be  completed  before  the  16th  week.

Payment

   Payment  in  full  is  due  by  the  date  listed  on  the  registration  invoice.  Visa,  MasterCard,  or  American  Express  credit  card  payments  can  be  made  over  the  phone  (Paypal),  in  person  (Check  or  Credit  Card),  or  via  the  internet  (PayPal).  There  is  a  built  in  discount  for  paying  with  cash  or  check.  

Please  make  checks  payable  to  "STUDIO  TONE"  and  mail  to:  Tone  Academy  of  Music,  118  Baxter  St  #403  New  York,  NY  10013

Illness

Colds  are  an  unavoidable  nuisance  to  everyone,  however  when  working  in  a  close  environment  with  numerous  children,  it  is  incredibly  easy  to  pass  illnesses  to  parents,  students,  and  faculty.  The  Tone  Academy  has  a  strict  policy  to  cancel  class  if  a  faculty  member  is  ill  so  as  not  to  needlessly  expose  our  community.  This  policy  also  pertains  to  parents  and  students  –  please  do  not  attend  class  if  you  or  your  student  is  ill.  If  a  student  is  visibly  ill,  they  will  be  sent  home  and  counted  as  an  absence.  In  order  to  avoid  as  many  illnesses  as  we  can,  please  make  use  of  the  hand  sanitizers  provided  in  each  classroom.

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Winter Recital

The  end  of  the  semester  recital  is  an  incredible  and  essential  way  to  celebrate  the  work  the  students  put  in  during  the  semester.  Not  only  is  it  fun,  it's  a  motivation  for  parents  and  students  for  the  next  semester.  Participating  in  the  recital  is  mandatory  for  all  students  at  Tone  Academy  of  Music,  even  if  it  is  only  to  take  a  bow  and  receive  applause!  

Recitals  will  be  held  during    Jan  17th  –  Jan  30th.

Outreach Concerts

The  Tone  Academy  of  Music  is  thrilled  to  partner  with  Concerts  in  Motion,  a  non-­‐profit  organization  that  “works  to  bring  uplifting  music  performances  to  the  home-­‐bound,  hospitalized  and  otherwise  isolated  or  in  need  free  of  charge.”  Once  each  semester,  a  selected  group  of  students  will  be  invited  to  perform  at  an  outreach  concert  in  the  surrounding  community.  

Because  Concerts  in  Motion  is  dependent  upon  donations  to  continue  the  important  work  they  provide,  there  is  a  suggested  donation  from  each  family  who  participates  in  these  concerts.  For  more  information,  please  visit  www.concertsinmotion.org.

Concert Attire

For  Tone  Academy  of  Music  end-­‐of-­‐  semester  recitals,  students  should  wear  comfortable,  but  dressy  attire.  No  sneakers  please.    

For  Concerts  in  Motion  outreach  concerts,  students  should  wear  a  white  shirt  and  black  or  navy  blue  bottoms  (pants  or  skirts).  No  sneakers  please.

Recital Info

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Concert Etiquette

Every  student  at  Tone  Academy  will  have  a  chance  to  perform  several  times  throughout  the  year.  Whether  playing  a  solo  during  a  group  class,  or  at  the  big  end-­‐of-­‐semester  concert  –  it's  our  hope  to  foster  good  performance  behavior  for  all  our  students  and  parents.  

1. Enter  and  exit  your  seat  only  between  selections.  If  possible,  wait  until  the  audience  is  applauding  before  moving.  The  only  exception  to  this  is  if  you  need  to  remove  a  restless  or  crying  child.  

2.  Don't  talk  during  a  performance.  If  you  must  talk  to  your  neighbor  always  whisper  directly  into  their  ear  so  that  those  around  you  cannot  hear  your  comments.  

3.  Cell  phones  off  or    on  vibrate  please.  Please  don't  text.  Performers  deserve  full  attention.  

4.  If  your  performance  venue  allows  you  to  eat  in  

the  auditorium,  do  not  unwrap  candy  or  slurp  soda  while  the  musicians  are  playing.  

5.   It  is  customary  to  applaud  when  the  performer  first  comes  out  on  the  stage.  He  or  she  will  bow  to  acknowledge  the  audience's  applause  and  the  concert  will  begin.  

6.   Some  classical  pieces  of  music  are  broken  down  into  parts  called  "movements."  In  between  these  movements  the  music  will  stop  for  a  few  seconds.  Do  not  applaud  until  the  conductor  has  dropped  his  hands  and  has  turned  around  to  acknowledge  the  audience.  

7.   Whistling,  yelling,  or  otherwise  congratulating  the  performers  is  generally  not  appropriate  for  classical  music  concerts.

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Where  are  you  located?  

118  Baxter  St.  Suite  403  (Between  Hester  and  Canal)  

 There  are  2  entrances  you  can  use:  1.  Through  the  entrance  with  118-­‐122  in  gold  letters  on  the  outside  -­‐  elevator  to  4th  floor,  Suite  403  2.  Through  the  entrance  to  Dinkie's  Cafe  -­‐  elevator  to  4th  floor,  Suite  403  

You  can  reach  our  location  from  almost  any  train  simply  take  the  1;  ACE;  NQR;  JNZ;  6  to  the  Canal  St  stop  and  walk  to  118  Baxter  St.  between  Canal  and  Hester.  

What  days  do  you  offer  lessons?  

Monday  through  Saturday.  Please  visit  our  schedule  page  for  a  full  list  of  classes  and  times.  

What  instruments  does  Tone  teach?  

Tone  teaches  piano,  voice,  violin,  viola,  cello,  guitar,  recorder,  flute,  clarinet,  and  saxophone.  We  also  offer  group  classes,  Suzuki  infant  &  toddler  music  prep,  chorus,  theory  &  musicianship,  and  poetry.  

FOREIGN  LANGUAGE  INSTRUCTION:  With  many  international  teachers,  Tone  also  offers  private,  music  lessons  in  many  foreign  languages!  PIANO:  Italian  or  German,  VIOLIN:  Italian,  German,  Greek,  Arabic,  or  Mandarin  Chinese.  (All  lessons  available  in  English.)  

How  old  does  my  child  have  to  be?  

The  Suzuki  Method  is  based  on  "Mother-­‐Tongue"  learning  -­‐  although  it  sounds  like  a  no-­‐brainer,  children  grow  up  to  speak  the  language  that  is  spoken  to  them  as  infants.  Our  goal  is  to  strive  to  make  music  the  "Mother-­‐Tongue"  language  of  our  students!  Students  do  indeed  need  to  have  some  dexterity  and  concentration  to  participate  in  playing  an  instrument,  but  the  instructors  at  Tone  are  specially  trained  and  certified  through  the  Suzuki  Association  in  ages  1  month  -­‐  4  years.  We  are  currently  the  only  school  in  New  York  offering  Suzuki  Preparatory  Classes  (SECE)  for  infants  and  toddlers!  Classes  are  designed  for  mixed  ages  so  there  is  always  something  challenging  for  students,  no  matter  what  the  age.

FAQ

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Do  you  teach  High  School  and  Adult  students?  

Our  instructors  are  also  professional  musicians,  many  of  whom  perform  prolifically  throughout  the  world.  This  unique  duality  of  our  teachers  sets  them  apart  from  other  schools,  and  allows  us  to  offer  challenging  and  tailored  instruction  to  high  school,  college,  and  adult  students.  We  teach  all  ages:  infant  to  adult.    

Do  I  have  to  register  for  an  entire  year?  

Many  schools  require  a  full  year  commitment,  however  we  understand  that  schedules  change  frequently  in  this  busy  city!  Tone  offers  the  following:  

Trials  for  lessons  and  classes.  14  week  semester  (half  year)  28  week    (full  year)  -­‐  $50  off  for  any  lessons  or  classes!  Flexible  Summer  4-­‐Packs  that  allow  you  to  schedule  lessons  June  1  -­‐  September  12  whenever  you  and  your  teacher  are  available!  

What  if  my  student  wants  to  change  instruments  or  teachers  after  signing  up?  

Because  all  of  our  classes  are  based  in  the  Suzuki  Method,  families  who  decide  with  their  teacher  to  change  gears  to  another  interest  can  do  so  with  minimal  time  lost.  The  technique  might  change,  but  the  foundation  of  listening,  repetition,  and  attention  to  tone  and  rhythm  remain  the  same.