Silver Music

 

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Faculty
    • Our School
    • Policies
  • EARLY CHILDHOOD
    • Online Ready, Set, Play!
      • Ready, Set, Play! Video
      • Introductory Class Philosophy
      • Suzuki & Dalcroze
    • Online String, Flute, & Piano Readiness
    • Introductory Class Testimonials
    • After School and Partnership Programs
  • INSTRUMENTAL STUDY
    • Program Overview
      • Getting Started
      • Common Questions Parents Ask
      • Music Resources for Instrument Study
        • Recommended Reading
        • Online Tips & Resources
      • Intro to Suzuki
      • Instrumental Program Testimonials
    • String Program
      • Cello Additional Resources
      • Violin Additional Resources
    • Guitar Program
    • Piano Program
    • Flute Program
    • Summer 2020
    • Fall 2020 Tuition
    • Spring 2021 Tuition
  • ENSEMBLES
    • Online Suzuki Group Classes
    • Chamber Music
    • Adult Programs
  • ELECTIVES + MORE
    • Composition
    • Music Theory
    • Music & Yoga
    • Music and Art Summer Program
    • Soundscapes
    • Community Engagement
    • Music Birthday Parties
  • CALENDAR
  • CONTACT US
You are here: Home / Camp Photo Gallery

More about Suzuki Guitar

January 10, 2019

We now offer Suzuki Guitar lessons at Silver Music!

We are excited to have guitarist, João Kouyoumdjian, join our faculty this January 2019, teaching private lessons, and Guitar Readiness for young beginners.

There is noticeable crossover between the Suzuki violin/viola/cello repertoire and guitar repertoire. For those children who have been in our RSP classes, many will recognize some of the early guitar repertoire as we sing these pieces and rhythms in our current classes. Regardless of your child’s background, Suzuki Guitar Book 1 starts with pieces most children know already, including Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Frere Jacques and progresses to works by Purcell and Bach by the end of Book 1.

Because the guitar is such a well-known instrument in pop culture and world music, families may be confused about what it means to study “Suzuki” guitar. Students studying Suzuki guitar are learning classical guitar. This style is non-electric, and instruments are wooden with nylon strings (not steel); students use a footstool for proper posture. Suzuki guitar students begin by learning melodies, not chords. As students progress they learn to play the melody and accompaniment on the guitar, similar to the way piano students begin just by learning a melody before adding an accompaniment or variations. There are currently 9 volumes of Suzuki guitar ending with the Sor Variations on a Theme of Mozart and Albeniz Austurias, encompassing music throughout 5 centuries in an organized progression.

Beginning a student on Suzuki guitar will give them the skills and foundation to be able to play a variety of repertoire on guitar, including non-classical. Suzuki develops a student’s ear to be able to relate to music naturally, and carefully builds technique around manageable goals–helping the student gain mastery. Wherever you see yourself, or your child, going with guitar–a Suzuki foundation can help you get there!

Click Here to watch The Sound of Success an informative introduction to Suzuki guitar created by the SAA Guitar Committee.


Email us at
silvermusic@silvermusic.org to learn more! We currently have availability on Wednesdays for private lessons and Readiness.

Filed Under: Spotlight, Upcoming

Flute Storytime 4/11

March 24, 2021

Join us for Flute Storytime at 4:00pm on April 11 led by our flute teacher, Zara Lawler! A popular event pre-pandemic, Flute Storytime will be offered this coming month on Zoom. This event is designed for young children to experience stories coming to life through music. Come celebrate books and music with us in April for just $10/family!

CLICK HERE to register!

Filed Under: Spotlight, Upcoming

2020-2021 Honors

March 3, 2021

Congratulations to our online 2020-2021 Twinkle Grads!:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Congratulations for our Spring 2021 Book Recital Graduates!

Filed Under: Spotlight, Upcoming

March Playing Party

January 27, 2021

Join us for our March Playing Party!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. Please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

Open to all instruments, ages, and levels!
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021
Time: 5:00pm
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom

Filed Under: Extracurricular, Spotlight, Upcoming

SM Bow Hold Challenge!

January 19, 2021

Check out our bow holds during the month of January!

 


Filed Under: Upcoming

Faculty Feature: Blythe

January 13, 2021

Blythe Bonnaffons is Program Director at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:

Age you began studying:
I began flute in fourth grade through my school’s band program and began taking private flute lessons that summer. I also started taking piano lessons around the same time. 

Why did you choose the flute?
I thought it was the most beautiful instrument and I had a hard time understanding why anyone would NOT choose to play the flute if they heard it (played well). I still feel that way!

One memory from your lessons or early study:
One of the only negatives of playing a woodwind instrument is that you cannot LAUGH. I loved the social aspect of playing in band and in chamber ensembles but not laughing was a challenge throughout my early flute-playing life. Goofy rehearsals sometimes led to barely making it through a performance. And a couple times I didn’t make it. I have a pretty vivid memory of a NYSSMA flute trio that ended as a solo because two of us were behind our stands laughing. 

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I didn’t mind practicing, but in middle and high school it was really challenging finding the time. Like many of our Silver Music students, I had a lot going on in school, and after school, and I was exhausted! Being consistent helped–if I could get in practice most days, even for just 10 minutes, it felt like I had kept a promise to myself and it was way easier to keep going. Of course concerts, recitals, and auditions, definitely motivated me too.  

Did you ever want to quit?
I never did! Flute felt like a big part of my identity.

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
Humoresque. I’m glad that almost all the Suzuki students at Silver Music (violin, viola, cello, flute) learn this piece because I enjoy hearing everyone play it!

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing flute?
In the pandemic, I have enjoyed getting outside and hiking almost every weekend. During this time I’m also catching up on iconic series that I’ve somehow missed up until to this point. I’ve now watched all of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and I’m halfway through the seventh Harry Potter book.

Filed Under: Faculty Feature, Spotlight, Upcoming

Donate

December 7, 2020

If you’d like make a monetary contribution to our school, please submit this Donation Form. Thank you!

We happily accept donated instruments, sheet music, and supplies too!

Filed Under: Upcoming

December Playing Party

November 18, 2020

Join us for our December Playing Party!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. Please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

December 21: Open to all ages and levels!
Date: Monday, Dec. 21, 2020*
Time: 8:00am
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom

*This month’s playing party is held on a Monday morning! December 21 is the last day of Silver Music classes before break, and the first official day of winter. Come celebrate the Winter solstice with music!

Filed Under: Extracurricular, Upcoming

November Playing Parties

November 1, 2020

For the month of November, we’ll be hosting TWO Playing Parties!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. For either party, please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

Nov 1: Open to all ages and levels!
Date: Sunday, November 1
Time: 5:00pm
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom
Halloween costumes encouraged!

Nov 8: Open to students 6th grade and up
Date: Sunday, November 1
Time: 5:00pm
Hosts: Sam & Arianna (Silver Music HS Students)
Location: Zoom 
This is a BINGO Playing Party with prizes! Come play your instrument AND play Bingo!

Filed Under: Past Events

Faculty Feature: Emily

October 30, 2020

Emily Wilcox teaches Ready, Set, Play! classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:

Age you began studying: 
I was 3 years old when I started violin, 4 when I started piano, and 9 when I started trumpet.

Why did you choose the violin?
My mom and older sister played violin, and my mom was also an orchestra and Suzuki teacher, so I think I was naturally drawn to it just from so much exposure!

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I definitely did not always like to practice, especially in late elementary school and middle school. During these years, I saw practicing as a chore and my parents usually had to nag me to do it. It was challenging to motivate myself to practice after a long day of school and hours of homework because I just wanted to relax! What helped motivate me most during these years was having goals for myself or musical events to look forward to and work towards such as performances, summer music camps, competitions, and regional festivals (like area all-state and conference all-state).

How did music education affect your life?
Music education has played a huge role in my life. Both of my parents were music teachers, so my sisters and I all grew up with a great appreciation for the arts. My parents always nurtured my artistic and creative endeavors, but encouraged me to pursue whatever career path I wanted. So much of what I’ve learned from music education has helped me become a more empathetic, compassionate, and driven person and has given me invaluable life skills.

Do you have a musical role model?
My biggest role models are some of the music teachers and mentors I had between both my music education and music therapy training. I can think of a few who really stand out to me because they are not only incredible musicians and people, but are incredible teachers/music therapists too.

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin?
I love making jewelry, going for walks, exploring new places, and cooking! I also like doing photography or painting sometimes if I’m feeling inspired.

Filed Under: Faculty Feature, Spotlight

Faculty Feature: Marjie

September 23, 2020

Marjie Shemanski teaches Ready, Set, Play!, Music & Yoga, and violin group classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:

Age you began studying: I started piano lessons when I was 5 or 6, trumpet a few years after that, and had my first violin lesson when I was 10 years old.

Why did you choose the violin? My Grandma grew up in Jerusalem, and learned to play the violin when she was in school there. My parents had her old violin from that time, and I used to always look at it in awe and wonder if I could play it someday too.

One memory from your lessons or early study: When I was first learning Minuet 2, my teacher did not let me move to the next piece for 6 months! At the time it was frustrating! Looking back on it later, I realized it was one of the first big challenges for me as a musician where I really started to develop patience and discipline.

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice? I did not always like to practice! Practice charts really motivated me. Sometimes there would be a goal, but other times just finishing the pattern was enough of a reward. My friends and I would have practice challenges too, that really helped motivate me!

Did you ever want to quit? Yes! When I was 12, I had played the violin for two years, and was ready to move on to something else – something easier! By practicing with me consistently, my dad helped me stick with it. My music friends and group class community also encouraged me to keep at it even when it was hard.

How did music education affect your life? Music education has taught me so many things! It’s taught me to listen deeply, which helps me every day as I listen to others, to the world around me, and to myself. It’s helped me learn that with patience, practice and the help of a supportive community, I can accomplish almost anything!

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece: Chorus from Judas Maccabaeus. I love the clear, smooth tones of this piece, and how closely it relates to Tonalization!

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin? I love cooking big dinners with seasonal foods from the farmers’ market, listening to and playing music with friends, practicing yoga, and reading about the lives of artists and musicians.

Filed Under: Faculty Feature, Spotlight

Next Page »

Silver Music Calendar

Watch Videos!

Click to view full page video.

Click to view full page video.

Practicing help and other timely info ~ Our Blog

  • Flute Storytime 4/11
  • 2020-2021 Honors

OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign up for our email list! Read the latest newsletter
asset.find.us.on.facebook.lg

Follow @silvermusicnyc Instagram

Log in

Copyright © 2021 · Silver Music · (212) 600-0212 · Contact us

STUDIO LOCATIONS: 218 W 72nd St, Second Fl, New York, NY 10023 & 45 Tiemann Place, Ground Level, New York, NY 10027