The Suzuki Early Childhood Education Program
In our Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) classes we explore musical concepts through repetition of songs and rhymes within a calm and nurturing environment. We believe that every child can learn, and through having a mixed ages setting involving ages 0-3 in the classroom, children have the opportunity to learn from one another. Parents/Caregivers play a central role in activities, and through their critical involvement, modeling, and encouragement, children participate with their parent/caregiver in song, dance, and rhythmic activities that create cognitive, communicative, and social development from an early age while also creating a special bond with their caregiver.
Parental/Caregiver involvement and encouragement is essential to ensure that we are providing a nurturing space for children to develop empathy, self-regulation, and creativity through our carefully considered SECE curriculum.
We believe that ability develops early, and that success breeds success! A yearlong commitment is highly encouraged, and by being involved in this program over a period of 3 years, your child will be given the environment to grow to obtain thorough mastery, developing not only their musical abilities, but more importantly, their character.
“Character first, ability second.” ~Dr. Suzuki
What Makes The Suzuki Approach Different
The unique approach of a Suzuki ECE Program is its goal of creating a benevolent environment that is free from pressure; an environment in which a child can readily gain skills, a sense of purpose in life, an understanding of discipline, and an appreciation of beauty.
- Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers are educated in the role that parents play in creating a rich musical environment for the infant and before a baby is born.
- Suzuki Trained ECE Teachers believe that the spirit of the child is formed as a result of his/her early environment.
- Suzuki ECE Classes recognize the importance of parent education to help parents create a natural and enriched learning environment in the home.
- Suzuki ECE Classes devote much time to developing a strong, nurturing partnership between parent and teacher.
- Suzuki ECE Classes use a consistent curriculum over a 3 year period to encourage thorough mastery.
- All Suzuki Teachers are trained to foster ability development according to the natural timetable for each child; they do not follow the calendar-driven “teach and move on” approach.
Online Registration Options
We reserve the right to cancel classes that do not meet the minimum enrollment requirement, in which case you will be notified, and tuition and fees will be refunded. Details about our weather and other SECE policies are located here.
Parent/Caregiver Expectations:
- Attend each class with your child and be present in the room for the entirety of the class.
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before class.
- Dress comfortably to be ready to participate and model the activities for your child.
- Observe and journal in class.
- Listen to the provided recordings at home.
- Have fun and enjoy bonding with your little ones.
History of SECE
BSS was one of the first music programs in the country to embrace the Suzuki Early Childhood Education Curriculum (SECE) inspired by Dr. Suzuki and designed by Dorothy and Sharon Jones. Our trained SECE Teachers help parents to build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs, and nursery rhymes which serve to enrich the learning environment at home.
Dr. Suzuki believed that a great window of opportunity in a child’s life is opened between birth and the age of three. It is in these first years that visual, spatial awareness, and literacy development begins. He also believed that children need nurturing human interaction in order to develop both physically and emotionally, and that parents are the most important influence in encouraging the child’s potential. The Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) Program supports the natural development of infants from birth and stimulates a rich, learning partnership between parents and teachers.
For more information about the Suzuki SECE Program, visit these sites:
Suzuki ECE Program
Suzuki Association of the Americas
BSS Suzuki Early Childhood Music Instructors:
Anna Dusel, Early Childhood Education Coordinator
Katie Berquist
Bethany Erhardt
Holly Zimmerman
