Instruments We Teach
Violin
Violin Lessons
Viola
Viola Lessons
Piano
Piano Lessons
Hearts in Harmony Music Studio Philosophy
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki said, “First foster the heart, then help the child acquire ability. This is indeed nature’s proper way.” Hearts in Harmony Music Studio prioritizes the fostering of the heart as the foundation for everything else we do. We accomplish this in the following ways: 1. through the study of beautiful music, 2. the building of relationships between parent, teacher, child, and peers, 3. the development of character through virtue study, and 4. the refinement of instrument skills.
Hearts in Harmony methodology differs from a traditional approach in a few main areas. We adhere to the fundamental philosophy of the Suzuki method, also called the “mother-tongue method,” in which students can learn to play an instrument in the same way they learned to speak their native language. A nurturing environment, rich with beautiful, inspiring music, is crucial to the success of the child in this way of learning. First they hear it, then they repeat it, and finally they read and write it.
Building relationships is at the heart of what we do. Parental involvement is imperative, and the parent becomes the “teacher” at home for the child. Peer interaction and reinforcement through group classes and other activities also supports the child’s development of a beautiful heart as they learn to work with others cooperatively in creating something larger than themselves. The performance group also provides opportunities for the children to give back to the community and bless them with beauty to enrich their lives.
As we study our instrument together we will build a strong foundation of virtue that enables us to bless our own lives and the lives of others. We specifically study and work on certain values and principles which are facilitated by our study of music.
Of course, skill development on the instrument is important. Repetition and review are important to skill acquisition and refinement. Just as a baby gets better and better at saying words correctly and putting them together in sentences, we continually build on the skills and repertoire we have already learned.
At Hearts in Harmony Music Studio, we bring all of these elements together as we work to join the human family in love and respect, one beautiful heart at a time.