Dr. Michael Vervive, of Hancock, plays the cello. Vervive is one of CCSA executive director Andrew Schaud’s students, studying the Suzuki method. (Photo provided)

“Music can change the world,” said Beethoven. The Copper Country Suzuki Association (CCSA) is doing just that. Young and old, preschoolers to senior citizens, the organization is bringing music lessons to the Keweenaw.

But they’re more than just lessons. The Suzuki method, developed by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki in the 1930s, aims to develop the whole person through music education. 

Suzuki focused his efforts on children. “I want — if I can — to get education changed from mere instruction to education in the real sense of the word — education that inculcates, brings out and develops the human potential,” he said. “My prayer is that all children on this globe may become fine human beings, happy people of superior ability, and I am devoting all my energies to making this come about, for I am convinced that all children are born with this potential.”

He called his approach “talent education.” At its heart is the concept that most people can learn to play an instrument if they are given the right environment and instruction.

Because he was a violinist, Suzuki first applied his ideas to the teaching of violin, but it is now used with many instruments. The CCSA, which is affiliated with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, teaches violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano.

The organization’s mission is to enrich the community by providing high quality, affordable musical instruction for musicians of all ages in the Keweenaw.

The Suzuki method depends on parent involvement. In addition to lessons, CCSA provides families with the tools they need to support their children’s progress. In 2021, the association added Music Together classes for infants and toddlers, as well as their parents.

CCSA recently purchased an old church building in Dollar Bay. Their new space will enable them to hire more instructors, offer more classes and host public performances.

SUZUKI TEACHERS

Andrew Schaud, executive director of the organization since 2017, teaches cello there. He has degrees in cello performance from Peabody Conservatory and has played with the Baltimore Symphony and the Maryland Symphony. In addition to teaching at the Suzuki Association, he currently works with Michigan Tech students and plays with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra (KSO).

What is the benefit of Suzuki instruction? “Learning to play an instrument requires the development of many skills beyond just music,” Schaud explains. “Students work on time management skills. Playing in a group teaches team-building skills.”

Many people think the Suzuki method is just for children. It’s not. Schaud has several adult cello students. “I use Suzuki with them, but I take them more “behind the curtain” to understand what they are learning from Suzuki material,” he says.

Dr. Michael Vervive, a Hancock pediatrician, is one of Schaud’s adult students. He started studying cello with him in 2017.

“I tried to teach myself over 20 years ago, but didn’t get far without professional instruction, so put the cello aside,” says Dr. Vervive.

“I have always loved the sound of the cello,” he adds. “When my youngest daughter started violin lessons, I decided to start cello lessons to accompany her and hopefully give her additional incentive to play.”  

“Professional music lessons have taught me the value of perseverance and also provided me a creative outlet,” says Dr. Vervive.

Brian Wall is another CCSA teacher. He teaches violin and is also concertmaster of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. He started playing violin when he was in fourth grade, majored in violin performance as an undergraduate and studied Suzuki pedagogy–the science of teaching–in graduate school.

“My main goal is to encourage students to focus on technique and application, which requires a knowledge of reading music and understanding musical and narrative concepts that composers use to write their works,” he says. “It also requires a lot of repetition and focus, so I find ways to make it fun and amusing.”

Wall says that the value of music is up to each individual to decide for themselves. “I like music, and I like to see students working to get better at music because it shows they also have a genuine interest,” he explains. “Regardless of my students’ personal motivations, I try to give them the best education I can.” 

PARENTS PRAISE SUZUKI

“Having professional musicians teach our children how to play perfect musical pieces by ear and have the confidence to play them at recitals and to read music has been an exceptional learning environment for them,” says Sarah Williamson. She is a CCSA board member and mother of four Suzuki students ranging in age from six to 15.

Haley Frederickson, a Hancock Township resident, enrolled her son Grant in Suzuki violin classes when he was just a toddler. “The Suzuki method for violin proved a great fit for Grant, an active boy,” she says.

“The instrument is played in a standing posture with precise positions that require a lot of coordination, not unlike a martial art,” she explains. “The Suzuki method provides ear training, which makes it possible for a young child to do amazing things on a difficult instrument.”

Playing music with others and performing for an audience is another fundamental part of the Suzuki method. “The CCSA provides many opportunities for ensembles and performances,” Frederickson says. “This social aspect was what Grant enjoyed most about playing the violin.”

Grant is now 19, and he still plays violin, now with the KSO. “I have met incredible people and have had many amazing experiences, especially with the KSO this year, touring Wisconsin to Chicago, forming bonds that will last a lifetime,” he says.

The Suzuki Association’s recent performances included a student recital on Sunday, Nov. 17. They will be hosting a holiday concert on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and the Poor Artists’ Sale on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the CLK school auditorium in Calumet.