In the spring of 2010, Nick Cutroneo became the first graduate in the country with a Masters in Classical Guitar Performance with an Emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy. He completed his long-term training with David Madsen at The Hartt School of Music. With completion of this program, Mr. Cutroneo has been trained through 8 of the 9 books of the method. Currently he is currently teaching Suzuki Guitar at UConn’s Community School of the Arts in Storrs, CT and the Suzuki Music School of Westport in Westport, CT.
Based on the principles of Dr. Suzuki that every child and achieve success, the Suzuki Method initially uses the concept of Language Acquisition to teach music. First developing technique of playing and learning music through listening and from modeling, the student doesn’t learn to read music notation until the teacher feels that their technique is solid enough to allow them to. Parent involvement is necessary to develop these initial skills, just as the parent works with their child to teach them how to speak. In addition to private instruction, each Suzuki student attends a Group Class as well. This class is an essential part of the Suzuki Method. This gives the students a chance to use their new musical language with one another, experience ensemble playing and working together in a group. Group class is often a great motivator to students and provides the opportunity for more fun activities associated with music.
Suzuki Related Links
UConn’s CSA Suzuki Guitar Program
Founded by Nick Cutroneo in the fall of 2009, CSA’s Suzuki Guitar Program is rapidly expanding. Following the format laid out by Dr. Suzuki, children in the program will participate in weekly private lessons as well as group classes. Before a child is registered for the Suzuki Program at CSA, the parent and child must complete the following pre-semester requirements (typically these are done in the summer, but can also be done at any point during either the Fall or Spring semesters):
- Contact either myself by email or the Suzuki Coordinator; or be contacted by myself or the coordinator
- Complete three (3) observations (two (2) private lessons and one (1) group class)
- Read “Nurtured by Love” by Shinichi Suzuki
- Purchase Volume 1 book and CD
To register or to find out more information on the Suzuki Method, please visit CSA’s Suzuki Page.
The Suzuki Music School of Westport
To find out more information on the Suzuki Music School of Westport, please visit their website. At the website they have information on requirements and registration. If you wish to be on my schedule, please ask for Nick Cutroneo. The office phone number is: (203) 227 9474.
Private Suzuki Guitar Lessons
I typically do not teach Suzuki Guitar students privately due to the interactive nature of group classes and the need for multiple students for a group class to function. However, on special occasions when I do take on young children (under the age of 7) I will teach them in a modified Suzuki Method. All of the principles and ideals of how a student learns and how information is presented to them remains the same. The only difference is that there is no initial Group Class offered. For parents who might not what to fully commit to two lessons (1 private and 1 group class) a week, this may be a good option to still receive many of the benefits of Suzuki Guitar Instruction. Please email me directly for further information.
Suggestions for New Suzuki Parents
I suggest that new parents looking to taking at least a semester, if not a full year of private lessons if they are able (depending on their prior experience on the guitar). The goal of these lessons is to give you (the parent) the skills needed to play the music from the first two books of the Suzuki Method. As the home teacher, it is important that you understand the proper technique, know how to read basic musical notation, decipher right and left hand fingering indications in the music, understand dynamic markings, etc… to help aid your students development in the beginning stages of their musical journey. By knowing these points you have the knowledge and experience, through taking guitar lessons, to better aid in your child’s development. Actually learning how to play the instrument will give you insight into what your child goes through that you would have never experienced without the lessons. It is also a great motivating factor to your own child’s practicing by seeing their parent play and practice the same instrument they are working on.
