Suzuki Method Approach
This philosophy provides a logical, developmentally sound approach to instrumental learning. Based on how children learn their language, it begins with training the ear and with fostering ability in a nurturing environment. Music reading proceeds once a sense of musicality and fluency are achieved.
Private Lessons
Students register through Holy Names University Preparatory Music Department. Most lessons are given on the Holy Names University campus, although some instructors teach locally in their home studios.
Enrollment
Each year is divided into fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students register by semester but may begin lessons at any time. Rates vary among individual instructors.
To register, or for more information, contact the director, Katherine Baird, at (510) 436-1224 or email Baird@hnu.edu.
Click here to download the Spring 2009 Class Brochure.
Tuition
Tuition per semester covers private lessons and playthroughs/recitals.
Activity Fee
This fee is charged per student per semester.
Installment Plan
Students may pay for the semester by making one full payment or three monthly installments with an additional service charge per student.
String Enrichment Classes and Ensembles
These classes meet weekly throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students from beginner to advanced gain the experience of playing in a group various repertoire and standard chamber music that compliments their private study. There are semester-end concerts both in January/February and May/June.
Divertimento Chamber Players
The art of the ensemble will be explored with this group which is designed for more advanced players. Standard chamber music repertoire will be studied and performed. Musical style and the fine points of communicating through music will be introduced and practiced. Participation in this group is through an audition by invitation with teacher recommendation and consent of instructor. There will be at least two performance opportunities and the possibility of more in a year.
Da Capo Youth Orchestra
Designed for the intermediate-level string player to provide a stimulating, high quality ensemble experience with instruction in orchestral technique and ensemble playing. DCYO offers young string players the opportunity to improve their technique and develop their ensemble skills while performing more advanced literature with others in an enjoyable and supportive setting. DCYO is slated to perform two concerts a year.
Divisi String Orchestra
A beginning level ensemble for violinists and violists with no required prior ensemble experience. This ensemble group will focus on beginning notes reading, along with basic instrumental and orchestral performance skills through a repertoire built around the Suzuki Method and popular and classical excerpts. This ensemble will also prepare much of it's repertoire in conjunction with the Divisi Cello Orchestra. At least two performances are slated each year with the possibility of more.
Divisi Cello Ensemble
Intermediate level ensemble experience, solely for cellists. This ensemble experience is designed to teach cellists the skills of ensemble playing, basic cello technique, and notes reading. Open to cellists in Suzuki Method late book 1 to Book 3, or the equivalent, this group will prepare repertoire to be performed with DSO.
DoReMi/Preludio
Suzuki Violin Book 1 & 2 repertoire and technique will be emphasized, along with theory, note-reading, and ensemble playing skills. Weekly sessions will include individual and group performance opportunities. Open to both violinist and violists.
Beginning Cello Group Class
Beginning level ensemble experience, solely for cellists. Open to cellists in Suzuki Method very beginning level to middle of Book 1.
Suzuki Parent Seminar
This two-hour seminar is offered to parents interested in learning more about the Suzuki philosophy and method, and/or are ready to begin Suzuki study with their children. The class gives an overview of Suzuki-style teaching, how it differs from traditional styles, parents’ roles in lessons and in home practice, and what to expect from Suzuki study. It is open to all parents, and is a pre-requisite for Prep to Twinkle Classes.
Prep to Twinkle Classes
Offered twice per year, four Saturdays each, to children ( 3-7 years of age) and their parents who are ready to start Suzuki study. In these special music & movement classes, instructor Christina Berg will familiarize families with the Suzuki repertoire through singing, clapping, moving, and dancing. She also offers tips on home practice and motivation once the lessons have started. Open to prospective piano and string Suzuki students. Parents must attend and participate with their children. The Parent Seminar is a pre-requisite for this class.
Piano Ensemble Classes
Using a 9-piano and a 5-piano labs, the beginning, intermediate and advanced piano students engage in an intensive 12-week ensemble program to study multiple piano repertoires.
There are four different levels of Classes:
- Beginning Piano Ensemble
- Early Intermediate Piano Ensemble
- Late Intermediate Piano Ensemble
- Advanced Piano Ensemble
Winds Ensemble
Winds Ensemble is open to flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, oboe, trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, and percussion students who would like more opportunities for ensemble practice and performance.
Early Childhood Music & Movement
Early Childhood Music & Movement is a pre-instrumental class for children aged 3 to 5 years. This series of classes aims to develop musical skills and an appreciation of music, and prepare children for private instrumental instruction. In each class children will sing, dance, move, and play a variety of instruments including rhythm sticks, bells, and other percussion instruments. Activities include large and small motor movement, with an emphasis on singing, beat, rhythm, high/low and fast/slow. Parent or caregiver must accompany child.
Suzuki Prep to Twinkle Music & Movement and Parent Education
Suzuki Prep to Twinkle Music & Movement and Parent Education is a four- week and two-part series of music & movement and parent education classes specifically for parents and children ready to embark on Suzuki study. In the parent education component, topics such as practicing with your child at home, parent-teacher-student dynamics, keeping practicing fresh and inspired, and deeper understanding of the Suzuki philosophy will be discussed.
In the Suzuki music & movement classes, instructor Christina Berg will familiarize parents and children with Suzuki Book 1 repertoire through singing, dancing, movement, percussion, and listening. A former Suzuki mother of three and married to a seasoned Suzuki violin teacher herself, Mrs. Berg will offer expert parental advice on practicing, as well as motivating and inspiring your child to practice once you’ve begun private lessons.
The Suzuki Seminar is a pre-requisite.
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Monthly Student Playthroughs/Recitals
Students perform in informal and formal concerts that are scheduled 3-4 times per semester by each teacher throughout the year.
Ensemble Concert
Group classes, youth orchestras, and string and wind ensembles present a concert of their work at the end of each semester.
4Hands to 48 Hands Piano Ensemble Concert
Piano ensemble classes present a concert of their work at the end of each semester.
Pop Concert
In one of our most popular events of the year, students audition any non-Classical piece on a videotape. The concert features costumes, stage props, and special lighting. A very fun, family concert.
Concerto Festival Competition and Concert
All students at PMD are eligible to compete in this intense competition in January. Winners will have the opportunity to perform with the PMD Festival Orchestra in May each year.
PMD Festival Concert
Formerly called Interdepartmental Recital, these concerts feature a variety of PMD student musicians. Students whom teachers recognize as performing particularly well are recommended for these concerts. The range of instruments (piano, violin, cello, harp, flute) as well as the intimate setting (McElroy Hall) make these recitals especially enjoyable.
East Bay Suzuki String Play-In
PMD hosts a large concert at the Oakland Interstake Center Auditorium (Mormon Temple). String students and teachers come from all over the Bay Area, gathering together to perform various Suzuki repertoires from Twinkle Variations to advanced pieces in a large group setting.
Honors Auditions and Recitals
Outstanding students, upon recommendation of their instructor, audition for this special concert. In addition to the opportunity to perform, winners are awarded a medallion.
Concert Appreciation
PMD students are given free admission to Holy Names Orchestra Concerts, Chamber Singers Concerts and TheMaster Guild Chamber Music Series.
Piano
Marc Bolander
Gloria Yim Burke, M.M.
Leonora Gillard, M.M.
Jeanne Honore, M.M.
Daphanie Lin, M.M.
Moira Little
Amy C.H. Martin, M.M.
Josephine Sanchez, M.M.
Kent Tchii, M.M.
Mei-Ling Tchii, M.M.
Gayle Marie, M.M.
JongMi Park, M.M.
Vicki Hurd
Violin
Dorothy Lee
Wendy Reid, M.A.
Robin Revelli
Rebecca Rogot
Lucille Van der Wyk, M.M.
Celia Vollov
Viola
Dorothy Lee
Lucille Van der Wyk, M.M.
Cello
Katherine Baird, Director
Rebecca Rogot
Oboe/Recorder
Moira Little
Flute
Cathy Devos, Mus. Ed., M.M.
Guitar
Steve Wilkinson (Electric)
Harp
Daphanie Lin, M.M.
Voice
Gayle Marie, M.M.
Music and Movement
Christina Berg
Fran Smith, M.Mus. Ed.
Orchestras and Ensembles
Leonora Gillard, M.M. (Da Capo Youth Orchestra)
Robin Revelli (Divisi String Orchestra, Da Capo Youth Orchestra)
Dorothy Lee (Divertimento Chamber Players, Do Re Mi)
Katherine Baird/Rebecca Rogot (Divisi Cello Ensemble, Beginning Cello Ensemble)
Kent Tchii, M.M. (Advanced Piano Ensemble)
Mei-Ling Tchii, M.M. (Beginning and Intermediate Piano Ensemble)
