Instruction in violin, viola, & cello is offered for all ages at the Arts Center by Dr. Carol Linsenmeier. Dr. Linsenmeier also offers Suzuki violin instruction for children. A nurturing teaching method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, “Suzuki” is a method of teaching young children, ages 3 or 4 and up, to play violin through a process that is modeled after the way children learn language. With the constant encouragement of parent and teacher, children master a series of many small steps that start with music skill and coordination games, moves on to playing variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and progresses through the ten books of the Suzuki Violin School to playing Mozart violin concerti. In the beginning, children learn to play by ear. After they are comfortable with playing the violin, these children learn to read music, just as children learn to read words after they can speak fluently. Parents do not need to know how to play a musical instrument. During lessons they are taught how to work with their child.

In Suzuki instruction, parent and child attend a half-hour long private lesson and a group class each week. During the private lessons, the child learns to develop the skills of playing the violin. In group classes, young violinists play both music and games together to gain musical skills, and share the joy and camaraderie of making music together.

Private lessons with Dr. Linsenmeier cost $16 per half hour. The Suzuki group class costs an additional $25 for a 5-week session. To be eligible to be in the group Suzuki class, students must be taking Suzuki violin private lessons.

Dr. Linsenmeier has degrees in music education from the College of Wooster and the University of Georgia and a Ph. D. from Kent State University in Special Education. She received her Suzuki teacher training from Ithaca College Suzuki Institute.

Natella Askerova

piano

Natella was born and raised in Azerbeijan (former SSSR) and has been teaching piano for more than 30 years. Beginning her musical studies at age 8, Natella received a Bachelor of Music degree from Baku College. After earning her Master’s degree in Piano performance and collaboration at the Azerbaijan State Conservatory of Music she went on to perform as a soloist with several symphony and chamber orchestras. For the last 16 years, Nat has taught piano at the Ashtabula Arts Center and the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. Having musically directed several shows at both the Arts Center and Rabbit Run, Nat also serves as director of music at the Second Congregational Church in Ashtabula. In each student she sees a potential professional pianist and she works with each of them according to their talents and abilities. To sign up for individual instruction with Nat or any of our other music instructors, call the Arts Center at 964-3396.

For information about private music instruction call (440) 964-3396.