Early Start Students

The Burlington Suzuki Early Start Program is designed for toddlers, newborn to age 3, and their parents, to introduce music through a playful and engaging approach. The program aims to nurture a love of music and develop the child's musical ear while at the same time preparing the child for future music instruction. It is a well paced series of traditional songs and rhymes which are used as stimuli for singing, movement, percussive instruments, and social interaction.

It builds on the child's natural delight in learning and lays the foundation for life-long learning that meets Dr. Suzuki's goals for all children ... "to create an environment for children free from pressure in which they can gain skills, a sense of purpose in life, an understanding of discipline and an appreciation of beauty." The Suzuki philosophy is …. "Talent can be taught and every child can learn."

Key aspects of Suzuki Early Start programs:

1. Age Range: Programs typically cater to children from newborn to age 3, with some extending to age 4.
2. Parental Involvement: Suzuki emphasizes the critical role of parents in the learning process, with regular attendance and participation in lessons.
3. Playful Learning: The approach focuses on making music learning fun and engaging through singing, movement, and play with instruments.
4. Developmental Focus: Early Start programs promote various developmental areas, including musical awareness, social-emotional skills, gross motor skills, and language development.
5. Preparation for Future Instruction: These programs are often a stepping stone for children to enter private music lessons in the future.
6. Examples of Activities: Activities include singing, dancing, rhythmic activities with percussive instruments, lullabies, rhymes, and action songs.
7. Philosophy: Suzuki's philosophy emphasizes the belief that all children can learn music if provided with the right environment and encouragement.

Classes are held on Saturdays, from 11 am to 12 pm, at North Burlington Baptist Church (1377 Walker’s Line).
Here are the dates: