WORLD-renowned Suzuki method violin teacher Shozo Matsumoto is teaching Ballarat students.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Matsumoto travelled to Australia after Suzuki Violin Studio of Sarah Walters students raised $3000 through busking and other fund-raisers to bring him to Ballarat.
On Sunday, six Melbourne teachers travelled to watch his teaching techniques during a Masterclass with Ballarat students.
Studio principal Sarah Walters said the Suzuki method was based on the philosophy of talent education, where every child could learn to play violin or other instruments like a language was learnt.
“We reproduce the language-learning environment for violin,” Ms Walters said.
She said unlike other methods where songs are forgotten, students constantly expand on songs in their repertoire.
“Mr Matsumoto is an international teacher with a huge reputation,” Ms Walters said.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for our local regional violin students to be able to learn from such a highly-regarded and sought-after teacher.”
Mr Matsumoto said he was helping students learn how to make a beautiful tone – an important part of musical expression using the Suzuki method.
He said he was very impressed by the standard of the Ballarat students and was honoured to be invited for the week.
Grade 5 pupil Georgia Newman said after one day of workshops, she already felt like she had learnt a lot.
“I’ve learnt a lot of different techniques and tips about how to make music more exciting and enjoyable,” she said.
Mr Matsumoto is holding workshops until Thursday at Damascus College along with three other guest Suzuki teachers.
The workshops will culminate in a concert, held on Thursday at 2pm.
