Suzuki Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 7, 2009
CONTACT:
Ashley Mirakian
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
419.418.0032
Toledo Symphony Announces Opening of School of Music
TOLEDO, OH -- The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce the formation of the Toledo Symphony School of Music.
The Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM) will offer musical instruction grounded in the Suzuki method. Developed by Japanese educator Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki method believes that all students can develop their abilities in music if they learn through a “mother tongue” approach, based on the means by which young children learn their first language. The method prioritizes parental involvement, imitation, repetition, listening, and learning in individual and group settings.
Students as young as two years of age can begin Suzuki instruction.
“The Suzuki method may seem mysterious at first, but it’s a great way to get closer to music in a comfortable, social setting,” says TSSM instructor, Cheryl Trace, an 18-year veteran of the Toledo Symphony and well-known Suzuki educator. “It’s all about making small victories, which build confidence. And, small victories add up—it can be so amazingly transformative.”
Students will develop their instrumental skills in collaboration with skilled Toledo Symphony musicians with graduate level degrees, all certified as Suzuki instructors. Through their course of study, they will gain valuable life skills, including discipline, focus, and attention to detail, which will enhance their future academic studies. Suzuki study also strengthens relationships between the student and their parents, peers, and teachers.
The School of Music offers each student an unparalleled and comprehensive musical experience. Each student who joins the stringed instrument program will receive private instruction, group lessons where students learn in conjunction with their peers, and enrichment activities including music theory and appreciation, eurhythmics, special guests, and multiple performance opportunities. The TSSM also offers Suzuki piano instruction, group instruction for recorder students, and chamber music coaching for intermediate and advanced string students. Lessons are offered at the Toledo Symphony's EducationCenter (1838 Parkwood Avenue in Toledo), as well as the Bowling GreenStateUniversityCreativeArtCenter.
“The TSSM is different,” says Trace, “because this isn’t just about dropping your child off for a weekly lesson. There is an element of family here and shared learning. And, with the orchestra and the full curriculum behind it, this is much more than a weekly one-on-one, it’s an opportunity for a lifetime of growth through music.”
The Toledo Symphony is delighted to offer this opportunity to students of all ages. Over its sixty-five year history, the Toledo Symphony has become the largest musical resource in Northwest Ohio. It offers a wide variety of educational opportunities to children, young musicians, and adults. The establishment of the School of Music enhances the TSO’s stated mission to provide continuous musical education for the entire region by extending educational offerings to all students.
###
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What advantages do students receive by enrolling within the TSSM?
Each week, a student will receive a private lesson from a Suzuki certified instructor (ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour). They will also receive a group lesson and additional enrichment in music theory, music appreciation, and eurhythmics (the expression of musical rhythm through physical movement and rhythmic gymnastics). Each semester will include visits from guest performers and clinicians. Mini-recitals, end of term recitals and numerous concerts throughout the community will provide students with valuable performance opportunities.
In addition, students and their families can choose from several levels of membership which will provide them with valuable opportunities to attend concerts and open rehearsals at free or discounted rates.
How much does it cost to attend the TSSM?
The student's weekly tuition varies from $24 to $50, depending on the length of private lesson requested. A typical beginning student, with a 30 minute private lesson, would pay $30 per week. A nominal registration fee is charged annually.
Where is the TSSM located?
The main campus is located at the Toledo Symphony's EducationCenter at 1838 Parkwood Avenue on the corner of Monroe and Parkwood in Toledo. Surrounded by the Visual Arts Center of the University of Toledo, the Toledo Museum of Art, the Peristyle Theatre (the main performance space of the Toledo Symphony), and the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, our main campus offers an inspiring location to enrich oneself through the arts.
Additional private lessons are offered on the campus of Bowling GreenStateUniversity in the College of Musical Arts. Plans are under way to establish a satellite campus in Bowling Green, providing all of the benefits of the TSSM to Bowling Green area residents.
Who are the people involved with the ToledoSymphonySchool of Music?
Jessica Aeschliman, music appreciation and administrative support
- BME, Goshen College
- Educational Coordinator, Toledo Symphony
- Teaching experience at the Merit School, Chicago, IL; state certified in IN, IL, OH
Jenn Burns, viola and violin
- BM, University of Illinois, MM, Cleveland Institute of Music
- 2 years performing with the Toledo Symphony viola section
- 2 years of Suzuki pedagogy in Toledo through the Community Music Program and West Side Montessori Center
David Dyer, violin and recorder
- BM, Boston University, MM Oberlin Conservatory, MM University of Michigan
- 18 years performing with the Toledo Symphony, contracted as both a violinist and a recorder player
- Co-director, Toledo Suzuki Strings, over twenty years of Suzuki pedagogical experience
Renee Goubeaux, cello
- BM Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, MM Western Michigan University
- 5 years performing with the Toledo Symphony cello section
- 4 years of Suzuki pedagogy in Toledo
Rachel Schultz, piano and eurhythmics
- BM in piano and eurhythmics, Cleveland Institute of Music, MM, Cleveland Institute
- Piano faculty, Preucil School of Music
- Faculty member of the Cleveland Music School Settlement, Cleveland Institute of Music
Merwin Siu, chamber music
- BA, BM, McGill University, MM Indiana University
- 8 years performing with as Principal Second Violinist of the Toledo Symphony
- Serves as the TSO’s Artistic Administrator; former faculty member of University of Toledo and Earlham College
Cheryl Trace, violin and viola
- BM, MM, Butler University
- 18 years performing with the Toledo Symphony
- Director: Adrian (MI) Suzuki Program; Co-director Toledo Suzuki Strings
- Faculty: Conservatory Special Suzuki Program, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tim Zeithamel, viola and violin
- BM University of Iowa, MM Cleveland Institute of Music
- Acting Associate Principal Viola, Toledo Symphony
- Suzuki teacher at the Preucil School of Music, the Cleveland Music School Settlement, and the Solon Center for the Arts