Aloha!
Welcome to Violin Artistry, offering Suzuki Method and traditional violin lessons in Honolulu, Hawaii. My name is Nikki Kurata Routman - I am a private instructor and violinist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. I hold a doctorate in violin performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and I am bilingual in Japanese and English (having grown up in Japan for most of my youth) so I do teach in both languages here in Hawaii.
I incorporate a variety of methods into my teaching curriculum, however, I focus primarily on the Suzuki Method. I always tailor the lessons to each student's needs, interests and capabilities. My studio includes young students of age 3 and older, and playing levels from the beginner through advanced.
I currently do not have any openings in my studio, but I do have a waitlist. Please e-mail me to be added to the waitlist with your child's name, age and preferred day/time and I will get back to you. (The waitlist is long for weekend slots, but if you can come during the week or daytime, you may be able to start sooner).
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. Mahalo.
The Suzuki Method
Are you interested in the
Suzuki Method? I am a registered
Suzuki instructor with the SAA; in fact when I was a child, I studied with Dr.
Shinichi Suzuki, the founder himself! The Suzuki Method is a music curriculum based on the philosophies of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, which he called Talent Education, or the "Mother Tongue Method." Realizing that children were able to learn their native language with such ease at a young age through listening, observing, and mimicking the sounds and sights of their daily environment, Dr. Suzuki applied these same principles to the violin. He believed that every child was capable of learning music aurally (like one's native language), based on the philosophy that:
- Every child can learn
- Success breeds success
- Children learn from one another
- Parental involvement is critical
- Encouragement is essential
- Environment nurtures growth
- Ability develops early
In Japan, the 'Suzuki Method' (as we call here in the USA) is still referred to as "Talent Education", and refers to the development of skill, knowledge and character. The word for Talent in Japanese --> Saino 才能 means both "ability" and "talent". There is no distinction for the word as there can be in English.
Dr. Suzuki said: "Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited".
You will find detailed information about the method and its philosophy by visiting the SAA website (homepage) directly or to the detailed explanation about the Suzuki Method philosophy. Although Dr. Suzuki passed away in 1998 at age 99, his philosophies and Method have spread internationally, not just as a violin method, but also for viola, cello, bass, flute, recorder, harp, piano and guitar.
Dr. Suzuki emphasized the importance of daily music listening (whether it be classical music on the radio or the Suzuki Method CD) to develop the musical ear and learn the repertoire in the Method. It is crucial that you LISTEN TO THE SUZUKI CDs DAILY!!! Keep them in the car, in the house, on your ipod, etc.
Kindermusik
In my teaching, I have found that young students with music exposure
have been more successful in violin lessons (specifically in
left/right coordination, ear training, rhythm and movement). I recommend
classes such as "Kindermusik"
for children of all ages, even and early as newborn. This program (and
others similar to it) offer
various classes for different age groups such as
newborn~18mo, 18mo~3yrs, 3~5 yrs, and up. My colleague in the
orchestra
Claire Starz Butin
is one of the teachers and she is great with kids. You can take this
before starting violin lessons, or concurrently with lessons; either
way, it helps me when the child has some prior musical exposure because
it affects how they play the violin, plus I can focus more on violin
technique in the lesson and less on general music education.
Another great option is the Dalcroze (Eurythmics) Method.
Exposing your Child to the Arts, Classical Music
As a teacher and musician, I am concerned about the lack of exposure to classical music and the arts music in children. Pop culture, sports, technology, fashion and politics have taken a more prominent role in today's society, while the presence of classical music and the arts is rapidly diminishing. It is our responsibility as parents, teachers and mentors to ensure that the children today are also educated in music, arts and culture. We can start by reading children's books about music (see my recommend books page), listening to classical music at home or in the car, or going to live concerts.***********
Studies show that classical music plays an important role in child development, education, self-esteem, motivation and higher IQ. According to a 2006 study in Brain, A Journal of Neurology, young children who received a year of musical training showed brain changes and superior memory compared to those without any instruction.
Attending Concerts
If a parent wanted their child to become a better future football player at school or to even play professionally, they would most certainly have their child attend live football games and watch it on TV. Same goes for golf or surfing. If their child had an affinity for airplanes, they would go to air shows or visit museums. So why is it any different for classical music? If you want your child to become a better violinist, why not educate them in the field? A common misconception is that symphony concerts are only for the elite or that young children aren't welcome because it's late at night. Other parents ask me whether or not they can only show up for half a concert and then leave. Of course you can! As long as your child knows how to sit quietly, it's fine. I often see kids among the audience-- they are usually asleep by the second half, which is totally normal.The cheapest regular ticket to the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra is usually $21, but there are also student tickets. If you join the Hawaii Suzuki Association (which my students are encouraged to join), you can attend HSO concerts for $10 for a student rate.
The Chamber Music of Hawaii holds concerts for string quartet, wind quintet and brass quintet. Regular tickets are $25, military and seniors are $20 and students get in FREE. There are several music opportunities around town, many of them inexpensive or even free. I post upcoming dates to the right so check back frequently.
It is essential that students attend Symphony concerts, the opera, ballet, chamber music concerts, etc... anything that will train their musical ear and educate them in the field of classical music and the arts.
Side note: Many of you may know that the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra has been struggling financially, and the musicians have not been paid regularly since December.
The only thing that is going to get us through this tough time is community support, donations, and most importantly, concert attendance.
You can visit the Honolulu Symphony website at http://www.honolulusymphony.com for more information. Thank you!
