Hawkes Bay Today: Young musicians learn from the best at Napier musical hub
29 Apr, 2017 11:36 AM
Its been music to the ears, as young musicians from around New Zealand have enjoyed quality tuition this week at the
annual NZSI Suzuki autumn workshop.
This is the final day of the three-day workshop, in which 85 students from around New Zealand have been able to learn
from national, and international Suzuki tutors.
Hawke’s Bay Suzuki publicity officer Susy Allen said the students, aged between 4 to 16-years-old, had been enjoying the
“fun way of learning” offered by the workshop.
The Suzuki method – created by Dr Shinichi Suzuki – teaches instrumental music in a non-traditional way.
Its principles include repetition, learning to play music by ear before reading it, and starting students at an early age – Dr
Suzuki recommended development begin at birth, with format training starting at age 3.
Incredibly some of the tutors in the workshop – organised by the New Zealand Suzuki Hawke’s Bay branch – have been
taught by Dr Suzuki himself.
This week the workshop has turned Napier Girls’ High School into a musical hub, with youngsters developing their
instrumental ability on a range of instruments – including piano, viola, and cello.
Every day the students have enjoyed masterclasses, theatre sports ensemble groups, extended repertoire classes, and
participating in a range of concerts.
Today the final concert will be held, with each individual instrument group performing, before they all play together.
“Organising the workshop is pretty hard work,” Ms Allan said, “But seeing the children play together, it really makes it all
worth it.
“It’s magic.”
The New Zealand Suzuki Institute NZSI was formed about 20 years ago. Today there are approximately 300,000
teachers and students in 34 countries worldwide.
- Enjoy the music at the free concert, held at 2pm at Napier Girls’ High School.