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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!
3
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.
4
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
7
“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
9
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 [email protected]
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.
11
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
12
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.
13
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
13
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.