Violinist and Julliard graduate David Bowlin was slightlynervous as a guest faculty member of the 18th annual Suzuki StringInstitute.
"I'm sort of self-conscious... I have a vision for what I wantthe students to be able to do and I want to show that to them--either visually or verbally-- and each individual student respondsdifferently," Bowlin said.
Before becoming a faculty member, Bowlin was a Suzuki StringInstitute student, coming after school for seven years to practiceviolin.
University of Memphis Suzuki director Kimberly Meier-Sims wasalso a student of the very program she now runs.
"My private teacher at the institute was one of the firstteachers who went to Japan to find out about the Suzuki method andbrought it to this country," Meier-Sims said.
The 18th annual week-long intensive institute, held June 8through 13 at The U of M, brings 3 to 17 year-olds from across thecountry to learn and perform with prestigious guest faculty.
There are Suzuki Institutes all across the country, but The U ofM Suzuki program that goes year-round after school here at The U ofM has been in place for 30 years. The U of M program was one of thepioneer programs in the country and now has over 300 studentsparticipating, according to Meier-Sims.
The program is built on the idea that all children can learn toa high level given the proper learning environment, according toMeier-Sims. The founder, Shinichi Suzuki of Matsumumoto, Japan,believed greatly in the potential of every child.
Each child participating in the institute gets five dailyclasses: a semi-private lesson, technique, repertoire, reading andenrichment.
"The Suzuki method is based on the theory of language learning,where students learn through listening and imitation before theylearn how to read," Meier-Sims said.
According to Meier-Sims, the children listen to recordings,imitate and learn good posture and tone before learning to readmusic.
Around 90 students and parents, 15 guest faculty and 19 teacherworkshop participants from states as far away as Pennsylvania andArizona are visiting The U of M campus, staying in nearby hotelsand U of M student housing.
According to Meier-Sims students are not selected. The onlyrequirement is they train with a Suzuki trained teacher, anotherreinforcement of the idea that it is not genetics, but education,that makes great musicians.
Meier-Sims is the only Suzuki participant who also teaches U ofM classes, including a two-year graduate pedagogy class that trainscollege students in how to be teachers.
The tuition is $300 per student, with teacher training running$350, making the program privately funded. The Community MusicSchool of Memphis and the parent organization Suzuki TalentEducation Association of Memphis (STEAM) offer scholarships, andtwo vendors are present selling supplies and instruments.
STEAM is just one example of strong parent involvement in theprogram. According to Meier-Sims, most parents sit in on theirchildren's classes and attend special scheduled parent talks.
Parent Joan Appleton watched her daughter participate in aworkshop in this year's institute. Appleton said she is staying inthe Kemmons Wilson Holiday Inn for their fifth trip from Milan,Tenn., to participate in the annual institute.
"She loves playing violin. She told me she wanted to get herPhD. in music and teach, but of course, she's only 10 and a halfyears old," Appleton said.
"She's had wonderful role models and teachers, so I think thathas really influenced her dreams," Appleton said.
Despite the intense nature of the weeklong program, Meier-Simsis quick to point out the Suzuki Institute is not just to churn outwell trained musicians.
"The way it is set up, it's not to create musicians but finehuman beings," Meier-Sims said, emphasizing a whole learningenvironment, memory skills, leadership and a general appreciationfor music.
Local Institute student Rachel Lin, 14, has been coming to theSuzuki Institute since she was 5. She has been playing violin fornearly 11 years, beginning at age 3.
"I look forward to the week," Lin said. "I hate practicing, butI just enjoy playing."
Lin goes to The U of M South Campus for lessons once a week.
During the Institute, Lin said she participates in theoryclasses, sight singing, art and creative movement as breaks betweenplaying. Her mother watches Lin during her master class practice,but also helps out with other programs in the Institute.
Lin is going to Houston High School next year and said shedoubts she will pursue a life as a professional violinist.
"I'll keep it up as a hobby, but I'm not really sure about whatI want to do," Lin said.
According to Bowlin, his hope is that what students take fromthe Suzuki Institute is for all aspects of their lives.
"The idea is that you work hard at something that is satisfyingnot only to you, but to others around you, and that is something tocarry with you through life," Bowlin said.
Several recitals and concerts, open to the public and free, wereheld at the Harris Concert Hall in The U of M Music Buildingthroughout the week, and the Grand Finale Concert will be heldFriday, June 13, at 3 p.m.
