Buffalo Suzuki Strings (BSS), one of only a handful of Suzuki-only music schools in the U.S., will feature Suzuki Master Teachers Bill Preucil, Doris Preucil, Kimberly Meier-Sims, Christie Felsing, Pam Devenport, Dave Madsen, and Mary Craig Powell, on April 26th, 27th and 28th, during its 45th Anniversary Workshop.
“We are honored to have these Suzuki Master Teachers at our school, and are so pleased to be able to offer this extraordinary experience to our students. From our beginners to our Advanced Ensemble students, they will have the opportunity to learn from some of the pioneers of Suzuki instruction,” said Mary Cay Neal, Founder and Executive Director, Buffalo Suzuki Strings. All are welcome, including music educators across Erie and Niagara Counties, BSS Alumni, and friends of Buffalo Suzuki Strings. Event is free of charge. For more information, contact Suzanne Corbett at 716-743-8728.
Buffalo Suzuki Strings’ Open House will also take place on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Buffalo Suzuki Strings, 4 Webster Street, North Tonawanda. Parents and children from the public are welcome to experience Buffalo Suzuki Strings by observing group classes, touring the BSS Musical Arts facility, and having the opportunity to try out the different string instruments at the “Instrument Zoo.”
Founded by Mary Cay Neal in 1969, Buffalo Suzuki Strings is modeled after Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s Talent Education Program in Matsumoto, Japan. There are only a few schools across the U.S. who follow his vision. While there are many Suzuki teachers, it is unique to have an entire school steeped in the Suzuki method. In fact, Buffalo Suzuki Strings is one of only a few schools in the United States to teach the Suzuki Method with such a broad range of instruments: violin, viola, cello, piano, classical guitar, double bass and Music for Infants and Toddlers.
Mary Cay Neal studied directly with Dr. Suzuki, and was inspired by his philosophy that music can bring joy and happiness to ALL children if taught in small steps that make it easy for a child to learn. All children can learn to play beautifully if taught and nurtured in the Suzuki method. Parents are an integral part of the Suzuki method, as they help children to practice at home until they are at an age to practice by themselves; parents are their children’s best teachers.
“Sharing my love of music with children of all ages was my inspiration to start Buffalo Suzuki Strings 45 years ago,” said Ms. Neal. “By introducing music to children at the very youngest age, every child has the ability to learn musical skills that will be rewarding throughout their life. Our program provides learning opportunities for children birth to age 18. The greatest reward is seeing our youngest students growing into successful musicians and becoming noble human beings who are prepared to be contributing members of society.”
Throughout its 45-year history, the school has produced students who play at the highest levels. Buffalo Suzuki Strings’ students have performed with all of the orchestras in Western New York, including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Its Friendship Touring Ensemble has performed in 28 countries around the world – putting Buffalo and Buffalo Suzuki Strings on the world map for Suzuki musical excellence.
Program funded in part by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, Administered by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, Inc.