Toledo Symphony Announces Opening of School of Music
TOLEDO, OH -- The Toledo Symphony Orchestra is delighted to announce the formation of the Toledo Symphony School of Music.
The Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM) will offer musical instruction grounded in the Suzuki method. Developed by Japanese educator Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki method believes that all students can develop their abilities in music if they learn through a “mother tongue” approach, based on the means by which young children learn their first language. The method prioritizes parental involvement, imitation, repetition, listening, and learning in individual and group settings.
Students as young as two years of age can begin Suzuki instruction.
“The Suzuki method may seem mysterious at first, but it’s a great way to get closer to music in a comfortable, social setting,” says TSSM instructor, Cheryl Trace, an 18-year veteran of the Toledo Symphony and well-known Suzuki educator. “It’s all about making small victories, which build confidence. And, small victories add up—it can be so amazingly transformative.”
Students will develop their instrumental skills in collaboration with skilled Toledo Symphony musicians with graduate level degrees, all certified as Suzuki instructors. Through their course of study, they will gain valuable life skills, including discipline, focus, and attention to detail, which will enhance their future academic studies. Suzuki study also strengthens relationships between the student and their parents, peers, and teachers.
The School of Music offers each student an unparalleled and comprehensive musical experience. Each student who joins the stringed instrument program will receive private instruction, group lessons where students learn in conjunction with their peers, and enrichment activities including music theory and appreciation, eurhythmics, special guests, and multiple performance opportunities. The TSSM also offers Suzuki piano instruction, group instruction for recorder students, and chamber music coaching for intermediate and advanced string students. Lessons are offered at the Toledo Symphony's Education Center (1838 Parkwood Avenue in Toledo), as well as the Bowling Green State University Creative Art Center.
“The TSSM is different,” says Trace, “because this isn’t just about dropping your child off for a weekly lesson. There is an element of family here and shared learning. And, with the orchestra and the full curriculum behind it, this is much more than a weekly one-on-one, it’s an opportunity for a lifetime of growth through music.”
The Toledo Symphony is delighted to offer this opportunity to students of all ages. Over its sixty-five year history, the Toledo Symphony has become the largest musical resource in Northwest Ohio. It offers a wide variety of educational opportunities to children, young musicians, and adults. The establishment of the School of Music enhances the TSO’s stated mission to provide continuous musical education for the entire region by extending educational offerings to all students.
Press Release Contact Name: Ashley Mirakian
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419.418.0032
Organization Name: Toledo Symphony Orchestra
Website or Link: www.toledosymphony.com
Organization Address: Toledo, OH