Aloha!
Welcome to Violin Artistry, offering Suzuki Method and traditional violin lessons in Honolulu, Hawaii. My name is Nikki Kurata Routman - I am a violinist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and private teacher. 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.
My teaching studio is located at 420 Ward Ave, Suite 206 (across the street from Ross and Sports Authority).
I incorporate a variety of methods into my teaching curriculum, however, I primarily teach the Suzuki Method. I always tailor the lessons to each student's needs, interests and capabilities. My studio includes students of all ages (age 3 to adult) and playing levels from the beginner through advanced.
I currently do not have any openings in my studio, but I do have a waitlist. I anticipate that there will be more openings in May or June when my symphony schedule eases up and students' schedules change with summer vacation. 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.
In my teaching, I have found that young students with music exposure have been more successful in violin lessons- specifically in left/right coordiation, ear training, rhythm and movement. I recommend classes such as "Kindermusik" for children of all ages. They 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 is one of the teachers- she is great with kids.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Mahalo.
The Hawaii Suzuki Institute is currently accepting applications for its summer music festival on July 25th-29th, 2008 at the Iolani School in Honolulu, HI. The festival is for violin, viola and cello students of all ages (aprox 2-18) from beginner through advanced levels. Applications are due May 1st, or a late fee will apply. The festival only occurs once every two years, so don't miss your chance! Many renown Suzuki instructors are coming from the mainland to offer the following courses:- Group class
- Masterclass
- Orchestra
- Music Mind Games
- Creative Movement class
- Music Theory
- Chamber Music (for advanced students)
- Art
- Irish Fiddling
- Viola for Violinists..... and a few other classes
All of my current students are required to attend. If you are on my waitlist or wish to be, I highly recommend you attend to get a headstart, especially if your child is younger. The Pre-Twinkle Class at this Institute is exceptional. I recommend Music Mind Games and Creative Movement.
The Suzuki Method
Are you interested in the
Suzuki Method? I am a registered
Suzuki instructor with the SAA; in fact, my first
violin teacher was 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 are able to learn their native language with ease at a young age via 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 a language), based on his 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
You can 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.
He thus 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. So it is crucial that you LISTEN TO THE SUZUKI CDs DAILY!!! Keep them in the car, in the house, on your ipod, etc.
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 inexepensive 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 is struggling financially, and the musicians have not been paid regularly since December. We are still continuing to work and perform concerts despite the lack of regular pay.
The only thing that is going to get us through this tough time is community support, donations, and most importantly, concert attendance. Go to concerts and educate yourself and your kids in classical music!
You can visit the Honolulu Symphony website at http://www.honolulusymphony.com for more information. Thank you!
