Prelude Beginner Strings

This beginner violin / viola / cello program combines the principles of the Suzuki Method, which teaches young students through ear training, with a note-reading based pedagogy with the parent involved in the process.. In combining both methods, the child learns in a progressive yet innovative style, which results in enhanced listening, reading and interpretive skills, all while having fun!

Our instructors are experienced teachers who understand that young children learn best when they love what they are doing. So, in addition to teaching about how to play the violin or cello, they introduce fun games as a way to teach note-reading, rhythm, dynamics, and basic music skills that will benefit children all their lives.

Children should be exposed to music from the earliest possible moment.  Playing an instrument requires cognitive as well as fine motor skills.  The benefit of playing a stringed instrument is that the violin/cello comes in various sizes to “fit” the child unlike the piano or any other orchestral instrument.  Our program accepts children ages 5-9 as we have found this is the best age to work in a group setting and make maximum progress.

No. Our beginner violin / viola / cello classes do not require reading. At 5, most children have pre-reading skills and can identify letters and numbers.  The skills that we teach to read music will help a child in reading words. And the musical alphabet only goes to the letter G!

The parent’s role is like the “personal trainer” at home. Parents need to set aside time for practice, guide the child through the repertoire and skills, motivate and congratulate the young student. By attending classes, parents will learn how to fulfill this roll and assist their child.

The benefit of our program being “parent-child” is that by being in class with your child every week you will be learning right along with them and able to work with them on the weekly assignments during daily practice at home. Many of our parents have actually begun playing the violin with their children!

We recommend a progressive amount of time for practicing.  When students begin, they will spend a short amount of time reviewing material covered in class to insure that lessons are not forgotten from one week to the next.  As they progress, they will have more to practice, but not more than 20 minutes of daily practice is needed.  While we understand how busy all families, consistency is the key to a meaningful and successful string experience. 

For inquiries about the Lakeland Youth Symphony or the audition process, you can contact the Lakeland Youth Symphony at 973-402-6010 or email info@lakelandyouthsymphony.org.