Fairbanks School of Talent Education, Inc.
Fairbanks School of Talent Education is committed to improving the quality of life in Fairbanks through Suzuki musical education. It is our mission to create a learning community that strives for excellence and nurtures the human spirit.
FSTE is a nonprofit educational corporation that provides classes for violin, viola and cello utilizing the Suzuki method of music education. Shinichi Suzuki’s method is based on the process of language learning. Children learn the complexities of their native tongue by imitating their parents. The parent encourages the child to learn and use more and more complex words. By building on small steps the child learns to speak an intricate language. In the same way, children can learn music with the help of their parents and a teacher at a very young age. Parent, child and teacher form a triangle of equal involvement. Our name, “School of Talent Education” supports the philosophy that talent is learned through consistent practice and encouragement. Every child can develop musical ability.
6 steps of Suzuki Musical Education
- Begin early. Ability development begins at birth. Lessons can begin as early as three or four years old.
- Move in small steps to enable success and build confidence.
- The mother or father attends all lessons so that they can be the home teacher.
- Listen daily to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire as well as good music in general. Children learn to speak by hearing their spoken language. Children learn the language of music by hearing it.
- Music reading begins after aural and instrumental skills are developed. Pre-reading skills begin early.
- In addition to private lessons, children attend group lessons to learn by seeing and hearing more advanced students. Children love to do what they see other children doing. The group class community nurtures the child and gives support to the parent.
Weekly Program
Over 25 years in existence, FSTE meets weekly during the school year on Thursday evenings. Classes are grouped according to level from Pre-Twinkle beginners to the Advanced Touring Group with ages ranging from 4 years old through high school. Classes include solo recitals and small and multi-level groups. Parent Foundation classes meet in the fall to help parents of beginning students understand the philosophy of the Suzuki method. Parents learn instrumental skills to equip them to be the home teacher. An active group of parent volunteers contributes to the success of the organization.
Serving Our Community
Student groups perform for school tours and special events in the community. Groups are available on request. The traveling tour group provides an opportunity for advanced students to polish music to a high degree and to experience diverse cultures and broader horizons. Tours are designed to challenge, inspire, and motivate the advanced players in the program.
For more information call Jean Krause at (907)457-5716
Special Honors
In 2008, the Fairbanks Suzuki Institute was honored for its contributions to the musical community of Fairbanks, Alaska.
The "Creating Learning Community" award was bestowed at the Suzuki Association of the Americas biannual conference in May of 2008.
The following link gives a more detailed report. SAA Conference 2008