The Suzuki Method for Cello

NISOM offers Suzuki cello for students as young as three with instructor Karen Geyer

Your child can make beautiful music before learning how to read it! The Suzuki method applies the basic principles of language acquisition to learning music with the mother tongue approach of listening and repeating. Suzuki instruction requires the parent to learn along with their child in order to aid in at-home practicing. The most important ingredient for success is the parent's willingness to devote regular time to work closely with the child. Parents attend the first few lessons alone to learn about the Suzuki method and philosophy, the basics of reading music and playing the cello, how to supervise and teach their children during daily practice, and techniques to deal with the emotional issues that can interfere with the learning process for their children. 

Following this time, parents attend lessons with child for private lessons once a week.  45-minute lessons are recommended.  Begin at any time; tuition is pro-rated. Tuition is priced the same as any private lessons. This fall NISOM also offers a Suzuki Cello group class!  Prices do not include cello rental (from a third party); consult instructor for size recommendations.  It is strongly recommended that parents rent an adult size cello for at least the first month to best learn how to help their children.  Parents are encouraged to retain this instrument to participate in all subsquent lessons with their own cello, though only child cello rental is required. 

The Suzuki method is more than just teaching a child to play an instrument. It seeks to develop the whole child and help them find the joy of making music!

Call (563) 690-0151 to arrange to sit in on a Suzuki lesson!

Karen Geyer: Mrs. Geyer is a certified Suzuki cello instructor. She has performed professionally with the Lake Forest Symphony, Dubuque Symphony, University of Wisconsin Orchestra, the Key City String Quartet, pit orchestras at the Grand Opera House, Platteville Heartland Festival, and University of Wisconsin Platteville, and is manager and cellist for the River City Trio. She has also served as worship leader at several area churches. Her degree is from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota.

For more information about the Suzuki approach, visit www.suzukiassociation.org.