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Answers Activity 132

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VIOLIN TEACHER: Ladies and gentlemen, and particularly children: welcome. I'm thrilled to see so many of you here this afternoon, and sincerely hope that, when I've told you about the classes and the method, many of you children will want to begin as soon as you can. As you are aware, we at this school teach the violin through the system made famous by Dr Suzuki. It's a system based on a belief that there is no such thing as inborn talent, but that instead every child is capable of becoming an accomplished violinist and musician. Dr Suzuki believes that talent is a matter of training - and training from as early an age as possible. (A little later you'll actually hear some of our 5- and 6-year-olds playing for you. I think you'll be more than a little surprised.) It dawned on Dr Suzuki many years ago that children everywhere learn to speak by the most natural and instinctive of methods - namely by listening to others, listening to the same words and expressions over and over again, all day, every day, from birth, until they begin to acquire and use the language themselves. He reasoned that by applying this natural 'learning method' to other subjects, any child's potential could be developed to a high standard of ability. And he began by applying it to learning to play the violin, an instrument at which he himself is a master. But enough of the 'history' lesson. You want to know what we do. Very young children begin by joining in games in which they're given toy violins and sticks for bows. What is important here is that they learn the correct violin-playing posture and are also taught the basic etiquette of the stage. They then continue, both in group and individual sessions, to play simple pieces by constantly listening and repeating. A word of warning for you all, children and parents. You can't go into this half-heartedly, I'm afraid. We are absolutely convinced that Dr Suzuki's method works and that children acquire immense enjoyment out of learning to play, but they must persevere at all times, and you parents must do all you can to help. I feel that I've said enough for the moment, so I'll pause to allow you to ask me any questions you may have about what I've said so far.

QUESTIONS 1-10

1.		The school holds classes for children and adults. TIP: Classes for children only. The speaker says: 'Many of you children will want to begin...'
2.		The method claims to teach any child to play the violin. TIP: The speaker says: '...every child is capable of becoming an accomplished violinist and musician.'
3.		The school won't accept children under 7 years old. TIP: The speaker mentions 5- and 6-year-olds who will be playing later.
4.		Dr Suzuki's inspiration was children learning language. TIP: It was watching children learn language naturally and instinctively that led him to believe they could learn other things in the same way.
5.		Dr Suzuki applied his method to teaching all instruments. TIP: The speaker only mentioned 'learning to play the violin' (although the system may well now be applied to other instruments).
6.		Dr Suzuki does not play the violin himself. TIP: The speaker says that Dr Suzuki is 'a master' at the violin.
7.		When they begin, the children are immediately given a violin and bow. TIP: When they begin, the children are given 'toy violins and sticks for bows'.
8.		Children are taught the correct posture before anything else. TIP: The speaker talks about learning 'the correct violin-playing posture'.
9.		The method implies total commitment by children and parents. TIP: Speaking to children and parents, the speaker says 'you can't go into this half-heartedly...'
10.		The speaker is convinced that children who join the school will enjoy the lessons there. TIP: The speaker says that children 'acquire immense enjoyment out of learning to play...'

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