Program

Arts

Music

Lower School Violin Program

The Norwood School Violin Program Information

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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 nearly 25 years. 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 class, and one 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.

SIGNUP NOW

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School-Based Lower School Violin Students

Student-focused program
Encourages and develops curiosity, work ethic, teamwork, respect, responsibility, confidence, and creativity
Home practice is optional until the student can set up the violin and bow hand independently

LS Violin - BRAND NEW STUDENT Enrollment FORM

Limited enrollment: The program is open to students in grades K-4 at Norwood.
Third and fourth grade beginners are welcomed with an accelerated plan for summer lessons and extra help during the year, as needed.
If interested in joining the 2025-2026 violin program, registration forms should be returned ASAP (no later than May 31, 2025).
Space is limited and students will be confirmed by June 15, 2025. After September 1, registration will close for the 2025-2026 school year.
If space becomes available during the summer, we will pull from the waitlist to fill the spaces for the 2025-2026 school year.
Registration reopens in May 2026.

List of 3 members.

Moyna Daley

Lower School Strings Co-Coordinator

University of Maryland - B.S. & B.Mus.Ed.
Boston University - M.Mus.Ed.
Sylvia Lee

Lower School Strings Co-Coordinator

University of Maryland - B.M.
Ohio University - M.M.
Jordan Johnson

Lower School Strings Teacher

University of Maryland - B.M.

The Curriculum

Suzuki-inspired approach
Ear-training first: Daily listening to recorded Suzuki repertoire (purchase the CD or download the digital Hilary Hahn Suzuki recordings for listening over the summer and school year).
Character first, then ability: Emphasizes the development of character before skill.
Solid foundation in technique: Focuses on proper form and technique from the start.
Use of solfege: Incorporates solfege to support musical literacy.
Rhythmic studies: Reinforced through Dalcroze/Suzuki movement and Music Mind Games.

The Violin Schedule

1 private lesson and 1 group class per week
Private lessons:  after school or P.E. pullout (option to have lesson during one P.E. 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

The private lesson schedule will be sent by email in late August.
Group class and after-school private lessons begin the first week of school.
P.E. 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.
Schedule summer lessons with Mrs. Moyna Daley in June or July.
Unless you already own a violin, please do not purchase or rent one until after the first summer lesson. Mrs. Daley will provide a violin for the first lesson and provide assistance with sizing.

Parent Expectations

Provide a good quality instrument.
Schedule lessons.
Keep in touch with teachers.
Attend program/activities: school performances, community events, etc.
Encourage home practice and listen to the Suzuki violin repertoire.

Cost for 9-month participation in the program

$1,350 per year. Please contact Bill Teachum, Director of Finance and Operations, if you have any questions about billing.

Cost for Instrument Rental

Rental vs. purchase is highly recommended for the first instrument, and a properly sized instrument is extremely important.

To avoid damage to the instrument, please try to pick up the instrument at some point after your student’s first orientation summer lesson.

Local Violin Shops

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Please call the shop before visiting.

Bethesda Violins
(301) 272-1209

Potter Violin
Silver Spring - (301) 652-7070
Gaithersburg - (301) 966-7400

Foxes Music Company
(703) 533-7393

Gailes Violin Shop
https://www.gailesviolin.com/

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.