Official Recordings
Download Here: Suzuki Official Recordings
Zoom
Monica Lima’s Personal Meeting Room:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7323825642?pwd=Swt1yAd3b2NmPiOCCBPBBLpebt1pbu.1
Meeting ID: 732 382 5642
Passcode: 197954
IPHONE/IPAD & ANDROID SETUP
Open the Zoom app on your device before you join the meeting, go to Settings >> Meetings, and switch on Use Original Sound.
Join Meeting, click More… >> Enable Original Sound.
COMPUTER SETUP
Join your Zoom lesson >> click the arrow next to the Mute button >> Click Audio Settings.
Mark these settings.
On your Zoom screen, click Enable Original Sound.
Apps
TUNING
The tuning app I use is called Tunable but it’s paid. Another great (and free!) option I came across recently is called Like Tones and it seems to work very well too.
SLOW DOWN MUSIC
I highly recommend having an app to slow down your music without changing the pitch. The Suzuki recordings are a great listening model but a bit too fast when the students are first learning a new piece. The app I use for this is called Amazing Slow Downer (a bit pricey) but I recently came across another option for free called Music Speed Changer.
SPINNER
Decide Now!: Add your practice assignments, spin the wheel and see what comes up! (iOS & Android)
PRACTICE CHART
Kids To Do List: Create assignments list with pictures and voice recording. Students can tick the completed assignment with a star and get a “sticker” at the end of each practice. (iOS & Android)
MUSIC READING
String Note Tutor: Fun flashcard game for beginners of all ages to help them learn notes on the Cello. It introduces notes in a relevant order for beginner string players, as well as checking their knowledge of how to play those notes on their instrument. (iOS only)
String Position Pro: Flashcard app for students to practice away from the instrument and consolidate their knowledge of the neck positions and note reading. (iOS only)
Flashnote Derby : Fun way for kids to learn and practice reading music notes. Each race is a timed test in which the student identifies different notes in order to urge their horse on towards the finish line. (iOS & Android)
Staff Wars: Game designed to help beginning and intermediate musicians learn, practice and woodshed the note names on treble, alto and bass clefs. (iOS & Android)
Bass Cat: Entertaining game designed to help students of all ages learn how to quickly identify notes in the bass clef, improving their sight reading skills. (iOS & Android)
Rhythm Cat: Teach you how to read the most commonly used music rhythms, with levels that build up progressively. A fun way for beginners to get past the most challenging and often discouraging introduction to reading music. (iOS only)
The Most Amazing Sheep Game: Engagingly simple rhythm platform where jumps and rolls must be perfectly timed to the music to complete the increasingly complex levels. (iOS only)
Parent Nights
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Concerts Videos
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
How to Tune
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Pre Twinkle Songs
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Suzuki Book 1
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Suzuki Book 2
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Position Pieces Book 1
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Cool Stuff
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Cello Drones
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Suzuki Original Pieces
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
For Parents
Click on the three horizontal lines to open up the full list.
Cello Purchase, Rentals & Service
Sydney String Centre: A great shop in Chatswood with a very good rental service. A bit busy on weekends so make sure you book an appointment.
North Shore Strings: A small shop in North Sydney with a good selection of instruments and rental service. Make sure to book an appointment before turning up as they are not always open.
Supplies
Endpin Stopper: I ask all my beginner students to purchase an endpin stopper with a strap. This helps them know exactly how long their endpin needs to be, which is crucial for good posture, intonation and tone.
Rosin: Most rentals will have this included, but in case you need to purchase a rosin, this is the brand I recommend.
Cleaning Cloth: Have a cleaning cloth in your case to clean your cello and remove excess rosin and dust. This will be useful when learning vibrato too!
Strings: You have the option to purchase single strings or a set. I always recommend having a spare A string as this is the one that tends to break more easily. Please check the size before purchase.
Collapsible Music Stand: A good collapsible music stand is important for home practice and cello choir.
Cello Stand: This is not mandatory but a great accessory to your cello practice space. Just make sure it is in a safe space, away from siblings or pets.
Cello Care
Games
Learn about composers, play note name games, learn about the orchestra, compose your own music and so much more!
Practice Charts
Practice Shoppe (US based): I love the Practice Shoppe and have partnered with Leslie to promote my PDF products. Here is where I purchase most of my teaching games and supplies, as well as downloading free practice charts.
Meredith Strings (US based): Great selection of free PDFs organised by 100, 50 or 30 times charts. I also love their cello practice cards and these can be a good tool for home practice.
Podcasts
Christine is a Suzuki violin teacher, author, speaker and podcaster. TIME TO PRACTICE will bring you weekly conversations with teachers and students that will help, encourage and support you as you support the young musicians in your life.
Blogs
I really like this blog by Suzuki violin teacher and parent Brecklyn, with very useful topics about the various aspects of practicing and raising a musical child.
Barbie is a piano teacher, parent, and speaker and has amazing resources for parents. Check her blog, free resources as well as her online community MUSICAL NEST.
Practice Tips
Interesting and useful articles to support you:
Home Practice Tips for Parents
Practice Basics, Priorities and Creative Ideas
You Are Your Child’s Practice Environment
Required Books
This is a guide only. Please check with me which books are required for you before purchase.
REPERTOIRE
WARMUPS
Scales for Beginners, Monica Lima
Scale Booklet
Cello Time Scales, Kathy and David Blackwell
Galamian Scale System for Cello
READING
Scaling the Tenor Clef Dragon
TECHNIQUE
Position Pieces 1 & 2, Rick Mooney
New School of Cello Studies, Percy Such
170 Foundation Studies, Alwin Schroeder
Double Stops for Cello, Rick Mooney
Thumb Position 1 & 2, Rick Mooney
THEORY
Books for Parents
Nurtured by Love, by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Beyond the Music Lesson, by Christine Goodner
Helping Parents Practice, by Edmung Sprunger
Positive Practice, by Christine E. Goodner
Music Practice Makeover, Christine E. Goodner
Books for Kids
Violin & Cello, Catherine Greer
Meet the Orchestra, by Hayes Ann
Because, Mo Willems
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma, Joanna Ho
I Know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello, by Barbara S. Garriel
In One Ear and Out the Other, by Diane Worthey
“Children learn to smile from their parents.”
– Shinichi Suzuki
Concert Preparation
- Listen, listen, LISTEN!
- Memorise your music early in the learning process.
- Practice performing from memory for anything, anyone, and everyone. Performing is a different skill from practicing.
- Attend all rehearsals.
- Record yourself often.
- Mistakes happen! Practice playing through ‘slip-ups’, even if we try our best to avoid them.
- Choose and practice in your concert clothes.
- Being nervous is normal. If stage fright is something your child struggles with, practice raising the heart rate – running up and down the stairs, doing jumping jacks, etc. – to simulate the body’s response to nervousness. Then play all the way through your piece once you’re breathing harder. This will make the stress of performing more manageable on the day.
Concert Checklist
- Dress up for this special occasion! Avoid wearing jeans or sports clothes, but be comfortable.
- Arrive early to unpack.
- Get tuned.
- Rosin your bow.
- Set your endpin length.
- Have all of your equipment and instrument set aside ready to play when it is your turn.
- Have fun and play your best!
- Celebrate after your performance!
“Character first, ability second.”
– Shinichi Suzuki
Suzuki Graduation
Graduation Info 2025
Graduation Fees: from $89 to $104 (it depends on graduating level)
Graduation Recording and Paperwork due: 24 July 2025
Graduation Concert: 26 October 2025 @ Sydney Opera House
Graduation Recording
To participate, the student must submit a recording of their graduation piece by memory. Qualified teachers listen to graduations, and write positive and helpful reports.
Students need to record their performances with an appropriate accompaniment which could either be the official Suzuki repertoire recording or a live accompanist. Students are expected to perform the graduation piece at the tempo of the official Suzuki repertoire recording from memory.
All graduation performances need to be announced by the student clearly – full name, age, piece and composer.
Graduation Pieces
Level 1: Minuet No 2, J.S. Bach
Level 2: Witches Dance, N. Paganini
Level 3: Minuet in G, L. van Beethoven
Level 4: Sonata in C major, 1st mvt, J.B. Bréval
Level 5: Sonata in E minor, 1st & 2nd mvts, A. Vivaldi
Level 6: The Swan, C. Saint-Saëns
Level 7: Gavotte in D major, D. Popper
Level 8: Elégie, G. Fauré
Level 9: Concerto in C major, 1st mvt, J Haydn
Level 10: Concerto in B flat major, L. Boccherini (complete)
Level 11: Concerto in A minor, C. Saint-Saëns (complete)