Suzuki Cello Instruction: Valdine Ritchie Mishkin
Valdine
Ritchie Mishkin has had the unique opportunity of being
immersed in the Suzuki Method from birth. Growing up in a musical household,
she listened to her brother practice his violin every day, and observed
the many piano and singing students of her mother. Valdine started cello
lessons in the Suzuki Method at age 3 and a half, followed by piano
lessons in the Suzuki Method at age 4. The Suzuki Method laid a strong
foundation for her future career in music, as well as an innate understanding
of Suzuki's mother tongue method.
Suzuki Cello: Teaching Philosophy
The Suzuki Method is at the heart of Valdine's teaching philosophy.
A strong emphasis on listening to the Suzuki CD and observing
others allows the student to model themselves, much like a language
is learned (the mother-tongue method). The songs and techniques
are first learned by ear, geared to the age and personality
of the child. Reading is introduced when the student is ready.
The 'Suzuki triangle' of parent-child-teacher is the foundation
for success. At the weekly individual lesson, the parent silently
takes notes in order to be an effective practice coach at home.
Daily practice is necessary for progress. Group classes inspire
and motivate the students- the emphasis is on listening, following,
having fun with others, and creating beautiful music.
Valdine's teaching philosophy aims to develop the complete musician of any age. Her approach is positive and nurturing, tailoring her lessons to the pace and personality of the student-parent team. Special attention is paid to the mastery of correct positioning and technique, laying the foundation for the student to easily progress from Book 1 through Book 10 and beyond! With this strong foundation, creating musical expression will be 'at their fingers'. Every aspect of musicianship is layered through mastery of the specific order of songs, and the memorization and review of these songs is reinforced in group class. The student's self-confidence grows with each accomplishment, culminating in the recitals.
More About Valdine
Valdine is a candidate for the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at
Rice University (Houston, TX), studying with Lynn Harrell. She holds
a Masters in Cello Performance from Rice University as a student of
Norman Fischer, a Bachelor in Cello Performance from McGill University
(Montreal, Canada) as a student of Antonio Lysy, and Associate of Royal
Conservatory of Toronto (A.R.C.T.) diplomas in Cello Performance and
Piano Performance. Valdine is a certified teacher in cello and piano
by the Royal Conservatory of Toronto as well as a certified Suzuki cello
teacher. She has participated in such prestigious festivals as Tanglewood,
Orford, Banff Centre for the Arts, and Schleswig-Holstein Orchestra
Academy. Before moving to Portland from Houston, Valdine was an active
teacher and Suzuki clinician, maintaining a large private studio of
cello and piano students aged 4 through 68. She also kept up a busy
performing career with Mercury Baroque, Houston Grand Opera, Houston
Ballet and other ensembles in the Houston area.
Please contact Valdine Ritchie Mishkin
at: 971.255.1729
valdineritchie AT hotmail dot
com
For more information contact Catherine
Whelan
503.244.6190 Email catherine AT suzukiportland
dot com
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