Curriculum

The Suzuki approach is based on the belief of developing the whole child through the medium of music-the child is developed through music rather than the music being developed through the child. All parts of the OSTEC curriculum are based on building skills needed as a musician and life skills needed to grow up to be happy, successful adults.

We work with children ages 3 and to adult. If your child is not yet 3, please look at our Links page for recommendations for classes appropriate to your child's age.

Each student at OSTEC receives a weekly private lesson, weekly group class, two solo recitals, two group recitals, the annual winter workshop, community outreach concerts, and other special events each year. All events have a social element to them to build friendships and community.

Private Lessons
Private lessons are held weekly year-round with breaks for holidays. Students learn new techniques and pieces at their own pace and are never rushed to learn quicker than they are able nor slowed down. Private lessons are held Monday-Friday. Please see the Calendar for more details. The private lesson length depends on the age and skill level of the child as well as their ability to concentrate. Please contact OSTEC to determine the proper length for your child. Generally beginning students start with 30 minute private lessons, intermediate students 45 minute lessons, and advanced students receive 60 minute lessons.

Group Classes

Each child also receives a weekly group class. Group classes are of equal importance to the private lesson and teach ensemble skills that can only be taught in a group format. Students learn to play as an ensemble and learn to be both a leader and a follower. Learning together and creating violin friendships help to boost motivation, enthusiasm, and joy for learning. Parents get to know each other and form a close knit parent community. Group classes are held on Tuesday afternoons during the school year from September through mid-June. There are no group classes during Summer Term. The group schedule for the 2009-2010 school year is:

Tuesdays
4:00-4:30pm     Beginner's group class
4:30-5:15pm      Book 1-3 group class
5:15-6:00pm      Book 4-7 group class
6:00-6:30pm      Advanced Violin Ensemble

Solo Recitals
OSTEC students participate in two solo recitals per year.

Group Recitals
Group recitals are held two times a year. Intermediate and advanced students lead pieces on the group recital and present leadership skills in the concert they have worked on in group classes. Several advanced students are also featured as soloists at each group recital.

Annual Winter Workshop

Every winter OSTEC will bring1- 2 nationally recognized clinicians to do a two day workshop with OSTEC students. Former clinicians have included SAA Suzuki Violin Teacher Trainers Ed Kreitman (Chicago), Alice Joy Lewis (Kansas), Teri Einfeldt (Connecticut), Ronda Cole (Virginia), and Carrie Reuning-Hummel (New York). Cathryn Lee (San Francisco) is the clinician for the 2010 workshop.

Community Outreach
Students share their music and spread joy with the community through Outreach Concerts. This year students will have the opportunity to play at retirement homes, the Oregon Zoo, the Oregon Symphony, and more.

Special Events
Periodically throughout the year OSTEC students may partipate in practice challenges which culminate in a pizza celebration party for students who complete the practice challenge. These events motivate students in their daily practice. OSTEC students may also participate in Oregon Suzuki Association (OSA) events. For more information on the OSA and the events it offers please visit www.oregonsuzukiassociation.org