USU String Academy Features Renowned Cello Teacher

The idea of children three and four years old playing the cello might be unimaginable for many, but Utah State University students are proving that learning the cello can be as easy for very young children as learning to speak English.

The students are string majors at USU who work in the USU String Academy, an organization that has welcomed world renowned cello teacher Carey Cheney for fall and spring semesters. Cheney will teach a course in applying the Suzuki Method of learning to cello instruction.

 

Shinichi Suzuki designed the method, often termed the “mother-tongue” method, in Japan, and brought it to America in the 1960s. He taught music to young children in a similar way that language is taught — by immersing them in an encouraging environment that makes it fun to pick up new skills.

 

“Children learn language easily from their environment, and don’t need to be particularly talented to do so,” said Russell Falsltad, violist of the Fry Street Quartet, USU’s performing string quartet in residence. “The same is true for learning music.”

 

Suzuki’s learning environment involves the parent in daily practice and listening to music. A bond is formed between the parent and the child, and they experience each new musical skill together as they would the child’s first words. CD’s are played daily in the home to tap into a young child’s enhanced ability to absorb and learn new sounds.

 

“Carey Cheney is one of the best in the world at teaching the Suzuki Method to small children,” said Fallstad. “She also understands artistry at the highest of levels, making her one of the rare cello teachers who can teach at all levels.”

 

Cheney’s visit is hosted by the USU String Academy, a laboratory teacher-training program where USU string majors in the department of music learn and employ the latest developments in string teaching. The String Academy’s myriad of offerings, such as private lessons, group lessons, chamber music and recitals, offer a musical environment based on the Suzuki Method. Children not only practice music daily with their parent, but attend many group activities in which they have fun and learn music together and from each other.

 

As a unique part of the course, Cheney is teaching a group class of very young cellists from the community so USU students in her course can observe her methods first-hand.

 

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have Ms. Cheney teaching both USU music najors and children in the community this year,” said Fallstad. “Thanks to Manon and Dan Russell, who have helped fund Ms. Cheney’s visit, we’ll soon have many little cellists in northern Utah, enjoying music-making as a natural part of their life.”

 

Community members with children ages 3-18 interested in the USU String Academy’s beginning cello program can request a registration packet by emailing usustringacadmy@gmail.com, or by visiting usustringacademy.net.

 

USU String Academy students will perform in a free public holiday concert at the Logan Tabernacle Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.

 

Contact: Jentry Barrett [jentry.barrett@usu.edu].