Every child has within him the capacity to develop his abilities to a very high level. The Westmoreland Suzuki School of Music is dedicated to the musical enrichment of students, ages 3 to adult. With locations in Greensburg, Uniontown and Pittsburgh, the school offers instruction based on the Suzuki philosophy of early music education in violin, viola, piano, cello, flute, guitar, and music theory and appreciation.
Any Child can Learn
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, an internationally renowned master violin teacher, observed that all Japanese children naturally learn to speak one of the most difficult languages in the world - Japanese! He reasoned that children (all children) could learn the language of music just as easily and as fluently as their native language.. and in the same way.
For half a century, children all over the world, children of all ages, all abilities, have learned to play musical instruments by the method Dr. Suzuki developed. The method consists of listening daily to recordings of the music to be learned, combined with mastery of small steps that build on one another. Listening to good recordings of classical music from an early age develops the child's musical ear. This method, which started with the violin, has now been extended to the piano, the cello, the viola, the flute and the guitar.
Ability can be Developed
According to the Suzuki philosophy, musical ability is not simply an outpouring of natural talent (an accident of birth). Rather, it is something that can be learned and developed. Children learn to speak by listening to those around them, and then imitating the sounds they hear. They can learn to play the violin or the piano in the same way – by imitating those around them – listening to good examples, and receiving encouragement and support.
Dr. Suzuki believes that any child, given the proper instruction, can develop a high-level of musical ability. Children are taught to play by imitation at first, rather than by reading music. In this way, children to young to read are able to develop a love of music without being overwhelmed by the necessity of learning music symbology. Once they become familiar with the language of music, then they are taught the symbols of written music.
Learning is a Family Process
Learning music the Suzuki way is a three-way partnership between the student, the teacher, and the parent. The parent, who plays a very important role in the child's learning process, need not be a musician himself – the teacher will show him how to create a rich musical environment for the child and act as the home teacher.
For the Joy of Music
The goal of the Suzuki method is not to produce professional musicians but to open each child's life to the joy of music and to develop the child's potential to the fullest.
Students at the Westmoreland Suzuki School of Music participate in both group and private lessons and perform in numerous recitals and concerts throughout the year. The School periodically offers workshops and other special events, bringing in master teachers from all over the U.S. and Canada.
We are proud of our numerous alumni, many of whom have gone on to study at such institutions as the New England Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, Boston University, University of Maryland, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Cleveland Institute, and Eastman School of Music.
Please don't hesitate to call! We hope to see you and your child soon!
Start your Christmas shopping early! Support the WSSM by shopping at Barnes & Noble at any store or online on Friday, November, 5. Download flyer with vouchers and take to the store.