LERNEN MIT LIEBE - NOTE FROM SAMANTHA, STUDIO STEITZ FOUNDER
Als ich vor sechs Jahr von Los Angeles Kalifornien nach Graz gezogen bin, war mein Traum, die Suzuki-Methode mitzubringen, da die Methode in den USA, Japan, Südamerika, Kanada und Großbritannien sehr beliebt ist, doch in Österreich fast noch nicht existiert. Diese Unterrichtsmethode ermöglicht, dass Kinder im frühen Alter von 3-5 anfangen können, weil wir statt Notenschrift mit Gehörbildung und Spielen anfangen (obwohl sie später auch Notensatz lernen!). Unsere Philosophie besagt, dass ein kleines Kind, um ein Instrument zu lernen, zu Hause positive Unterstützung haben muss, indem ein Elternteil zu dem Unterricht mitkommt und zu Hause mit dem Schüler übt. Das gemeinsame Lernen von Musik führt zu einem wunderbaren Zusammenbinden mit dem Kind und bringt ins Zuhause viel Freude. Wir glauben, dass Musik ein Mittel ist, viele Lektionen aus dem Leben zu lernen: Zeitmanagement, Zuversicht, und Durchhaltevermögen. Wir laden euch ein, jeder Zeit eine Lektion zu beobachten und unser Studio zu besuchen.
“Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they will become.”
Über das Studio
Our studio supports cultivating excellence, positive energy, openness, and diligence. Parents in this studio endeavor to develop their children to the highest extent possible, preparing them to thrive and stand out in an increasingly competitive, international world. If you dream of a young child who plays the piano at a high level, develops a strong work-ethic through consistent practice, and speaks English, then this is the studio for you. We work with families who view home as a place of learning. Excellence over mediocrity is a paramount obligation.
Key aspects of this piano course include parental participation, English language immersion, weekly private lessons, dynamic and fun weekly group classes, field trips, workshops, and bi-annual performance opportunities. Simply put, Studio Steitz is a unique learning opportunity. The highly-effective and transformative curriculum Samantha Steitz has developed after many years of teaching is focused around the idea of providing a complete holistic music education.
Our cozy studio is located in the heart of St. Leonhard - Graz, one block away from the Kunst Uni.
our concept
Fun Group Classes
Children learn best with just a teacher and parent at a private lesson. However, group classes are ideal for games, movement activities, performances, and language immersion practice.
Hundreds of games and activities are played over the years, making this a very special part of the curriculum.
Informative Parent Training
Young children need the support of their parents at home to build their self-esteem and become strong musicians. While adults have decades of experience with time-management, organization and communication skills, children are still learning. It is our job to provide a nurturing home environment in which the children practice because it is their favorite activity to share with their parent(s).
Individual
Private Lessons
During the weekly private lesson, we cover technique, reading, rhythm reading, sight-reading, repertoire, and review. Naturally, parents attend all private lessons. Parental support, engagement, and leading home practices is the defining aspect of Suzuki Method that makes it so successful.
English language Immersion
Lessons will be taught entirely in English, giving children a unique opportunity to become fluent in the language. Though all children learn English in school, speaking 2X/week with a native speaker will give the students a significant "head start," both with conversational skills and speaking with no accent.
Group classes
In addition to private lessons with the home teacher (a parent), all students enjoy weekly group class. The objective of group class is to have fun while learning. Activities are largely kinesthetic and movement based.
In group classes, we study:
Rhythm and counting
Singing
Keyboard geography
Musical alphabet
Note names
Music theory
Music history
teamwork makes the dream work
In Suzuki Method, parents take this journey alongside their kids. How exciting! Since parents practice with their children at home, we must make sure that they feel 100% confident doing this. Many are surprised to find that absolutely no music background is necessary. In the course of a parent-training session and in private lessons, parents will learn all the basics to be an optimal coach and cheerleader.
Philosophy: What is Suzuki Method? What is the Suzuki Klavier Kurs (an overview of your child's first year with the instrument)
Basic Piano Techniques: Posture, strong fingers, arm weight, and so forth
Basics of Notation: Rhythm counting, pitch, Solfège, keyboard geography
When to practice & how to practice
Games to use during practice and other motivational tools
How to foster a home environment in which children will naturally try their hardest
Other topics include: How to use praise your child (specific/authentic vs. general/disingenuous) | How to make music part of your family life | Cultivation of self-esteem | Leadership as a parent | The importance of making mistakes | Patience | Team-work and cooperation skills |
private lessons
All students receive either a 30 or 45 minute weekly private lesson depending on age/level/availability. Parents of children under the age of 10 are expected to attend all lessons, unless otherwise agreed upon.
During each lesson, we cover:
Technique building | Scales | Chord progressions |Transposition Exercises
Sight-Reading | Rhythm Reading | Reading Piece
Repertoire “New Piece(s)”
Repertoire Review (“Old” pieces that we keep in the fingers)
All Parent Questions!
english immersion
According to Heather Singmaster, who has studied the effects and benefits of bilingual education: "There are years of research showing that the brains of bilingual people have better executive function, which is what allows you to focus on problem solving, moving between tasks, and recalling words and information. All are keys to being successful in life."
Here are some reasons why learning two languages is even better than learning one language:
According to studies, the earlier the child begins a second language, the better.
Students enrolled in the Suzuki Klavier Kurs will have an opportunity 2X/week to listen, learn and converse with a native English speaker. These opportunities will give your child a remarkable advantage with their accent, grammar skills, and linguistic fluidity that will last for the rest of their lives.
All lessons, group classes, and interactions will be conducted in English. If a child asks a question in German, they will hear the answer in English. With this total immersion approach, the students will understand English in no time. The more you also practice at home, the better.
Many similarities exist between language immersion and the Suzuki Method, which is completely based on language learning/immersion itself. Think of this as an opportunity for your child to learn two languages at once.