Michelle Hummel & Na You Yang

What does it take to teach a three-year-old to play violin? Patience with a capital P. But that's not all. According to Sea Pines Montessori Academy (SPMA) violin teacher, Michelle Hummel, the Suzuki method of teaching, first introduced by Japanese violinist, Shinichi Suzuki, is a miraculous means of developing skills at an early age.

The Suzuki method fits perfectly with Montessori education in stressing the importance of adapting the child's learning environment to his or her developmental level, explained Na You Yang, who also teaches Suzuki violin at SPMA. "You give toys to play," she said. "When they start violin, they start with a box instead of a real instrument. Then maybe inside is a little cracker or something. They learn with some fun in the environment."
"It's a fast-paced lesson with the little ones, said Michelle. You may play a game they think is totally unrelated to violin, but you are teaching them some other skill in the process."

With a deep passion for music and a natural proclivity for patience, both Michelle and Na came to SPMA last year to start the Suzuki program. Neither had been to Hilton Head Island before.

Michelle, who was teaching with Strings, Inc. in Evansville, Indiana, was looking for something different. "I saw this on the Internet and decided to go for it," she said. "I always wanted to teach in a school; I just didn't want to teach general music. So it worked out well that I could teach violin and help set up the program here." Michelle, whose mother was a violin teacher, grew up as a Suzuki student, beginning at age three. She went on to earn a degree in music education at the University of Evansville.

Originally from China, Na began playing violin at age seven and was taught traditionally. She moved to the U.S. in 1993, earning a master's degree in violin performance from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She later moved to New York where she lived seven years, studying the Suzuki method, teaching at the Rockland Conservatory of Music and performing with the Newburgh Symphony Orchestra. She also discovered SPMA online.

According to Na, her six-year-old son, Bailey, is living proof of the positive result of environmental influence. Exposed to music from the womb, he began Suzuki lessons at age four and has progressed rapidly. This past March, following a group performance by SPMA violin students at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina's Youth Arts Fest, he stunned audiences, playing a duet with his mother.

Teaching approximately 180 students (90 each), ages 3-12, Michelle and Na emphasize the importance of small steps and lots of encouragement along the way. "There are standards, but we teach based on individual personalities and needs," said Michelle. All students participate in 20-minute group sessions, and children age five and up are given additional private instruction. All are provided instruments, starting out with fractional size violins and bows to fit their developing bodies.

Children begin learning the program's flagship song, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," practicing the musical phrases using varying rhythms set to words, such as 'tacca, tacca, stop, stop' or 'I like chocolate ice cream.' said Michelle. It's the same rhythm, she explained, demonstrating on her violin.
Other variations of rhythm include "popcorn and candy," "up pony, down pony," and "alligator, alligator." Children also enjoy making up their own names for the rhythms. After mastering their "Twinkle variations," they play the song with greater skill and understanding, Michelle explained.
"Although some children have more natural ability, everybody has some talent to learn," said Na. But not everyone is expected to become a performer.

The benefits of music education go far beyond note production, said Michelle, citing language development, creativity, coordination, and social interaction. "They're also learning patience, time management, multi-tasking skills and reasoning ability along with music appreciation. They will come out with an understanding of what a musician does and the work it takes," she said.

Performance opportunities are also important, added Na. "It helps them develop confidence. Again, it is to open their minds for the future."
For more information on Montessori education or the Suzuki violin program, visit spma.com or call (843) 785-2534.

Up Close
Michelle Hummel
Lives with: her two parakeets, Daisy and P.D. (short for P.D.Q. Bach) When not teaching, find her: cross stitching, playing violin with the Praise Team at Central Church and reading. Describes herself as: musical, patient and kind.

Na You Yang
Lives with: husband, Lee and son, Bailey When not teaching, find her: enjoying the beach, playing Internet games or watching TV. Describes herself as: quiet, passionate, a music lover.