Anna Morehart Falk - North Praire, WI

Personal statement

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki believed that every child had the ability to learn music. The idea was presented as talent education, where musical skills were learned rather than being part of DNA. Parents and teachers create the environment for the child to learn in by introducing music into their lives much like a child learns to speak. Suzuki called this the Mother Tongue idea. As a baby bird learns to sing its song from its mother, a young child learns to speak by imitating its parents. The skills of playing a musical instrument are introduced in the same way, systematically, like building blocks, setting the foundation and building the walls up. Early beginnings with the Suzuki approach are most effective. Although Suzuki is quoted, "You are never too young and rarely too old to twinkle."

Violin lesson information

Lessons are offered out of my home. Individual lessons are available for 15 minutes for 3 and 4 year old students. Students then graduate to 30 minute lessons until they reach the intermediate book 3 level. At that point lesson times are increased to 45 and 60 minute intervals. Group lessons are also available depending on current enrollment. Formal recitals are offered twice a year, with the addition of a holiday performance and an ensemble performance. Students are also prepared for NFMC Junior Festival and WSMA Solo and Ensemle.

About Anna

I was born into a musical environment. My mother is a violist, and also sings, plays guitar and piano. From a very young age I began singing. I like to think of that being my first instrument. From there I took piano lessons and by the age of 10 years old I had found the violin.

Violin became my primary instrument. During high school I toured Europe with a strolling strings group. I also received a music scholarship from the MacDowell Music Club, and played at the WSMA state competitions, as well as receiving a gold cup from NFMC Junior Festival.

Following high school I became a member of the Beloit Janesville Symphony. I was a music major at UW Rock County where I studied music theory. In 2003 I found my calling in the Suzuki method and left UW Rock County to pursue training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas at the American Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point, WI. Directly following my first courses in Every Child Can and Suzuki Book 1, I opened my private studio. That same year I also took a position at a private school in Janesville where I taught strings for six years. Each summer since 2003 I have gone to Stevens Point refresh my knowledge in the Suzuki Philosophy. I am now trained and registered through Book 5 and plan on continuing through all 10 books, as well as taking the practicum course.

In addition to my 25 students in Janesville I also play in and direct the Sapphire String Quartet. We have been playing together since 2005.
www.sapphirestringquartet.com