Week of Suzuki tuition for guitar workshop
Al Williams
A different method of guitar tuition has culminated in a workshop to be held in Temuka.
About a dozen students from as far away as Christchurch and Oamaru will join 10 others from Temuka for a week of tuition and performance from tomorrow.
The gathering is a result of Temuka’s enthusiastic response to the Suzuki method of guitar tuition.
Eleven students from six families started the ball rolling two years ago, taking up the instrument under the tutelage of George Hendry.
Mr Hendry teaches the Suzuki method, which differs from traditional teaching methods of instrumental music, because it focuses on getting children started at an early age and involves family and friends in a home setting.
Temuka parents Sharon and Richard Hansen host regular performances in their lounge and have been pivotal in bringing the workshop to South Canterbury.
All pupils receive a weekly individual lesson which is arranged according to age and stage, and they participate in regular group lessons so they can follow each other’s progress.
Concerts are held on a regular basis where pupils are asked to perform in front of an audience.
Those taking part in the workshop will give a public performance at St Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday, January 22.
The Suzuki method is based on the principle that all children possess ability and that this ability can be developed and enhanced through a nurturing environment.
Elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include an early start (aged three is normal in most countries), the importance of listening to music, learning to play before learning to read, the involvement of the parent, a nurturing and positive learning environment, a high standard of teaching by trained teachers, the importance of producing a good sound in a balanced and natural way, core repertoire and social interaction with other children.
“The workshop was initially suggested for Christchurch, but the situation up there with the earthquakes put the whole thing in jeopardy, so it was decided to take it out of town,” Mrs Hansen said.
“There will be people coming from Christchurch, of course, and from other places such as Wanaka; there will be a possibility of a regular local event if it all goes well.”
- The Timaru Herald