Suying Aw
viola & violin Teacher, Melbourne
Suying Aw studied at the University of Melbourne and did further studies at the Australian National Academy of Music. She also completed post-graduate Master of Music Studies, with a graduate award in excellence. Suying was selected to participate in the Zermatt Chamber music Festival with the Scharoun Ensemble of the Berlin Philharmonic in the Swiss Alps. In 2013 she won the Manchester Fellowship with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Suying has taught at many leading string departments across Melbourne, including Killester College, St.Kevin's College, Lowther Hall, Canterbury Girls Secondary, Camberwell Grammar School, Melbourne Grammar School, St.Michael's Grammar School to name a few. She casually tutors for Melbourne Youth Music and has tutored on behalf of the Australian Youth Orchestra. She is a casual assistant tutor and frequent guest artist for Monash Academy Orchestra and contributor to the regional Orchestra Victoria mOVe program. She has participated in school string discovery projects for the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Sinfonia, Auckland Philharmonia, Victorian Opera and Orchestra Victoria's. She currently teaches at her home studio and Camberwell Grammar School.
Approach to teaching:
I am a committed pedagogue, with over a decade of sustained teaching experience both privately and in schools and organisations across Melbourne. My approach is to wholly invest in each student; to get to know their specific strengths and the ways in which they learn best. I discuss with them and set goals, balance the cultivation of technique with a variety of musical styles and create momentum and enjoyment through nurturing understanding, step by step. I believe that if a student doesn't quite understand a concept, that it is my job to adapt and find as many different ways to explain it until they can experience that lightbulb moment. I believe in introducing music literacy as soon as practicable so that students may engage in ensembles with confidence and understanding that will allow them to experience their musical studies in a social context. I believe that there is no such dichotomy as old versus new music, or pop versus classical; but that there is only varying degrees of quality and depth in music. I aim to nurture strong aural skills and to foster understanding of the context of musical pieces across history. I think that music has so many rich benefits for children and adults alike, that it is something precious worth nurturing, whether or not you go on to pursue music professionally or not. It's the understanding of how art can enrich our lives that is a very special gift.
FAQ:
What methodology do you use?
I use a variety of methods depending on the tendencies and disposition of the student. I don't specifically use any particular set method, but navigate the learning path depending on the concentration span, age, ability and attributes of the student. For example, very young children may be quite visually orientated and have a short attention span. They may benefit from larger print set books, with techniques illustrated boldly and clearly with visually appealing layouts and shorter length pieces that can be repeated and are appropriate for their concentration. Or they may be taking up a stringed instrument as a supplement to the piano, in which case they probably have begun learning the basics of music literacy. They may find that the Suzuki pieces are a good fit as they use a limited range, but enjoy slightly greater complexity of rhythm and articulation for the beginner student. Each student is unique and has an individual combination of factors that influence how they learn, therefore through familiarity with a broad range of repertoire and books, I can find them the right material that resonates with them personally.
How long a lesson do I need?
My minimum lesson time is 40 minutes, which allows space to work on both technique, pieces and sight reading sufficiently. Once the student advances to around Grade 2 or 3 AMEB standard, they would need to go up to 45+ minute sessions, but this is assessed on a case by case basis.
What day/time do you teach?
I am flexible with my teaching times and am best suited to students that are also flexible with lesson times. Preferable lesson times for school children are between 4-6pm, with some flexibility in days would suit me best.
Do you teach VCE?
Yes I do, but I would require students to have longer lessons and VCE students are only taken on in consultation with me, as it is a substantial responsibility.
How much do I need to spend on a violin?
For basic violin/viola, bow and case set that is of good quality will set you back around $400. This will get you a good quality basic instrument that will stay with you until yourself or the child grows out of the size, or until you want to upgrade to a better instrument in 5 years or so.
Quality is important. Badly made instruments will often have trouble staying in tune, strings will break easily, the angles of the violin roughly put together and the sound less pleasant. In short it will make learning (and listening to a learner) harder than it needs to be.
If you don't have an instrument and are looking to start lessons, find a teacher that you like and consult them on the best shops to go to. Then when you go to the shop, if you find something you like in your price range, you should be able to borrow it for up to one week if you leave a deposit with the shop. Then take it to your teacher, get them to check it is worth what the price stipulates. That way, you can return and select something different if it turns out to be a dud.
It is definitely worth the outlay for a good basic instrument if you can afford it. Its easier to work with, makes a better sound and is more reliable. If you decide not to pursue lessons any further, often shops will have a buy-back policy whereby you can sell the instrument back to the shop at about 60% of the original price. Once you have an instrument, you need a notebook, a music stand and a music book to get going. That shouldn't cost more than $50 and will have you set for the next year or so. Check with your teacher for violin shop recommendations.
Where are you located?
In the eastern suburbs of Melbourne - further information is on the Music Teachers Online website.
How young should a child start learning?
In my experience, best results can be achieved when the child shows interest in wanting to learn and displays a significant ability to sustain some concentration (more or less) for most of the lesson time. Sometimes this can mean preps can learn effectively, other times the child might not be ready - its very individual and there is no set 'number' as such.
Do you travel to houses to give lessons?
Generally no. I give lessons from my studio at home. If I have time I may travel to your house, but this incurs extra travel fees.
Do you teach all levels?
I teach viola and violin to advanced levels.
Do you give discounts?
No - no discounts will be given, so please don't ask.
How much do you charge?
Please email me for further info
How do I make contact?
Send me a message through Music Teachers Online and I'll get back to you:
http://www.musicteacher.com.au/suying-aw/
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Further links:
Need a string quartet for a special occasion?
Check out my string quartets at:
www.darcystringquartet.com
http://www.callistostringquartet.com.au