Norwood has always been a happy place of learning filled with art and music, and the Lower School Violin Program has been a signature music program here at Norwood for 20 years running. Hundreds of students have been taught to play the violin during their early years at Norwood, have gone on to play in the Middle School String Orchestra, and continue to play in high school and beyond. We are immensely proud of this proven school-based program.
Children in kindergarten through fourth grade are given the option to add violin studies as a fee-based extracurricular activity. The program incorporates singing, solfege, movement, and music reading. Instruction by three highly experienced violin teachers includes two sessions per week: one one-hour group classes, and a weekly private lesson. A student may be offered extra instruction, if needed, at a teacher's discretion.
Students participate in several school performances as a Suzuki-group ensemble and they end the year with a showcase of their accomplishments in a recital for soloists. Past performances have included playing the National Anthem at several University of Maryland basketball games, two NAIS Teacher's Convention, and two past performances at the White House during the annual open house and holiday tour.
Ear-training first! With the use of daily listening to the recorded Suzuki repertoire (purchase CD or download digital Hilary Hahn Suzuki recordings for listening over the summer and school year)
Emphasis on character, then ability
Solid foundation in proper form and technique
Use of solfege
Dalcroze/Suzuki movement and Music Mind Games to reinforce rhythmic studies
The Violin Schedule
1 private lesson and 1 group class per week
Private Lessons: After School or PE Pullout (option to have lesson during one PE class per week in lieu of after school)
K & 1st Grade Group Class: Mondays at 2:35-3:30. Location TBD
2nd Grade Group Class: Tuesdays at 2:35-3:30. Location TBD
3rd Grade Group Class: Tuesdays at 3:35-4:30. Location TBD
4th Grade Group Class: Thursdays at 3:30-4:30. Location TBD
Academic Year and Class Schedule
Private Lesson schedule sent by email in late August
Group Class and Afterschool Private Lessons begin the First week of school
PE Pullout Private Lessons begin the Second week of school
Summer Lessons
Recommended: 2-3 private sessions over the summer. A parent (or caregiver) attends the summer lessons with student
Please schedule summer lessons with Mrs. Devon Oviedo in June, July, and/or August.
Unless you already have a violin, please do not get one until after the first summer lesson— Mrs. Oviedo will provide a violin for the first lesson
Parent Expectations
Provide a good quality instrument
Schedule lessons
Keep in touch with teachers
Attend program/activities: school performances, string festival, etc.
Encourage daily practice and listening of the Suzuki repertoire
Cost for 9-month participation in the program
$1275 per year. Refer to Bill Teachum, Norwood Business Manager
Located in Bethesda, MD, Norwood School develops students in grades PK-8 into confident lifelong learners who have the academic, character, and leadership skills to succeed in high school and beyond. Recognizing that children are multi-faceted, Norwood provides many opportunities for safe risk-taking, exploration, discovery, and growth in a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive school community.