STEP

STEP String Program hosts
Open House
for
Prospective Parents and Teacher Trainees

Are you the parent of a child between the ages of 0 and 9
and interested in their early music education?

Or are you a string player/teacher
interested in becoming a Suzuki trained string teacher?

If you are either of the above, you are invited to the Masonic Temple this Saturday where you can find out more about a St. John's based String Education Program based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Suzuki String Program Open House: The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) will host an Open House this Saturday, April 28 about what the STEP String Program and the associated Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute (ACSI) have to offer parents of young children and interested string instructors.

• From 11 am to 12 pm: Christina Smith, folk artist and STEP faculty member, will lead a visiting fiddling group from Makkovik in a fiddling workshop.
• Beginning at 1:30pm and ending at 3pm, Evelyn Osborne, STEP's Artistic Director, will lead group classes in their lessons as a demonstration of STEP curriculum.

Both of these events are open for visitors to observe, and an information booth will be available throughout the day, providing brochures and facts about the program and the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute. Nurtured by Love, a documentary on the life and philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Suzuki method's founder, will be aired continuously as a part of the booth presentation.

In addition to the open house, the annual STEP Scuff, also at the Masonic Temple ($5 at the door), opens at 8 pm, with beginner instruction in traditional Newfoundland Set Dances starting at 9pm. The STEP Scuff is a program Scholarship Fund Raiser, and an excellent opportunity to meet parents currently in the STEP program.

When & Where: Saturday, April 28^th, 11am to 4pm; Masonic Temple, Cathedral Street, St. John's

STEP String Program (http://www.nfld.com/~step)

The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) is a non-profit music education and performing arts organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. STEP provides music education in the area of string playing and orchestra and ensemble playing as well as teacher training and the delivery of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute Camp each spring. Run by volunteers with the help of paid professional music educators, the STEP Program was founded in St. John's in 1982 and is a registered charity. STEP will celebrate its 25^th anniversary 2007/2008.

Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute (ACSI) (http://www.nfld.com/~step/acsi.htm)

Sponsored by STEP, ACSI is the only annual Canadian summer institute east of Montreal that is recognized by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The institute is a week long intensive music camp. This year in addition to our established programs for string students we are offering Early Childhood Music Education (for children from 0-4 years of age). This program is non-instrument specific and focuses on rhythm and listening.

We also offer instruction for violin, viola and cello students of varying degrees of skills, providing both individual and group lessons, ensemble playing opportunities, as well as a teacher training program for eligible candidates. The institute features a mix of local and imported internationally renowned instructors.

When & where: The ACSI Camp runs daily at St. Paul's School, Newfoundland Drive, St. John's from June 24 to June 30. The registration deadline is May 12^th, 2007.

Suzuki Early Childhood Education

This program is designed for parents and young children (0-4 years old). ECE consists of daily 60 minute classes, during which parents and children sing, move and interact with instruments and other students. Suzuki ECE creates a nurturing environment which enhances the strong bonds between parent and children through music and development of early skills such as listening, a sense of rhythm/movement as well as socialization and a willingness to participate. Instruments are not required for this class but parents are essential! Included in the fee is a CD that will be provided in advance of the start of the program.

Beginner Blitz: Violin and Cello

This week-long program is open to children from 5 to 9 years of age who would like to begin the process of learning the violin or cello. Children younger than 5 that have a sibling currently enrolled in the Suzuki program may be admitted at the Institute Director's discretion. Each child is required to bring his/her own instrument. A parent must be present during the program. Both the parent and child will participate in the various aspects of learning to play a stringed instrument through group classes, musical activities and individual instruction. A parent-training session is included to explain the Suzuki philosophy and how to practice with your child.

Contact Information

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