About Karin Constant

Lifetime learner
Karin received Suzuki piano training under the instruction of Susan Fralin (Lynchburg, VA) for 8 years, including 5 years of superior rankings in National Guild Auditions. She has played for pleasure since, serving at church and playing in weddings. Her teaching began with her own children and grew from teaching friends’ children to teaching lessons at Valley Music Academy from August 2017-February 2020. She now offers lessons from her Suzuki studio in her home in Lyndhurst, VA as well as in-home lessons in students homes in the Charlottesville and Waynesboro area. *Due to COVID-19, masks must be worn during lessons and safety precautions will be taken.

SAA Member
Karin has completed “Every Child Can” as well as Piano Unit 1-3 classes via Suzuki Association of the Americas and plans to continue her education annually. You can visit her SAA profile here.

A passion for children
In addition to 5+ years of experience teaching piano, Karin also has 5+ years experience providing behavioral and academic support to children/adolescents with various mental health diagnoses in a school setting. Her clients included children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety/depression, PTSD, among others. She also has two children of her own, ages 11 and 15.
Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method was founded by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist. Suzuki originally developed this unique approach to teaching music for his own instrument, the violin. However, materials are now available for viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, guitar, recorder, organ and voice.
Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.”
There are some special features of Suzuki’s approach that differentiate it from traditional learning. Karin holds to each of these principles in her own teaching.

Mother-Tongue Approach
Lessons are based on the concept of teaching music as one would teach language. Babies are first introduced to language by hearing parents speak. They then begin to babble and eventually to speak themselves. We later send them to school to learn written language, after they can speak fluently. Similarly, the Suzuki Method teaches children how to play first after hearing what the music should sound like, and teaching them to read music later.
Learn about how the mother-tongue approach begins early here.
Learn the importance of listening to the music we are about to learn to play here.
Learn why Suzuki students do not learn to read music right away here.

Parental Involvement
As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. Some parents opt to learn to play before the child begins lessons, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Karin will often help parents learn what a student is learning during a lesson so that they can practice it correctly at home. Minimally, the parent should be able to explain back to Karin what is expected to be practiced at home.
Learn how vital encouragement is here.
Learn why practice does not make perfect here.

Repertoire
Suzuki has a set repertoire of seven books. The songs are a means to an end, tools to teach skills. Each song is tailored to teach specific skills. Therefore, progress is not judged by the number of songs the student can play, but by the quality of their playing. A high focus on technique and tone is applied from the very beginning so that the students can carry their sense of musicality with them as they go.
Learn about performing here.
Learn why repetition is essential here.
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
– Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Schedule Lessons
Blog
Do Not Let the Power of Being a Teacher Keep You From Being a Student
A week or so ago, I had a very bad experience on Facebook; not an uncommon occurrence, considering the platform in a minefield for those of us… Read more “Do Not Let the Power of Being a Teacher Keep You From Being a Student”
A Music Teacher’s Prayer of Encouragement and Empowerment
Today, I am resuming lessons in person after a long break due to COVID-19. For those of you who may not know, I struggle with anxiety and… Read more “A Music Teacher’s Prayer of Encouragement and Empowerment”
Teaching Music to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD
While I would not consider myself to be an expert, or even the ideal candidate to write this post, I may know more than the average person… Read more “Teaching Music to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD”
Contact
Contact KCC Suzuki Studio:
Karin is currently accepting new students ages 4 and up at her home studio in Lyndhurst, VA.
She also offers in-home lessons in students’ homes for an addition $2/lesson to help cover the cost of gas.
Tuition can be billed monthly or quarterly.
Tuition rates are calculated by multiplying the number of yearly lessons x lesson rate then divided by 12. Breaks are built in to the schedule including holidays and school breaks.
For example: on average, a student has 43 lessons per year. 43 x 25 = $1075/12 = $90/month
Travel student example: 43 x 27 =$1161/12 = $97/month
Lesson rates:
30 min lesson = $25/lesson
45 min lesson = $35/lesson
60 min lesson = $45/lesson
Sibling discounts: $2 off per lesson
For questions or to schedule lessons, please email Karin Constant at karinmoore0131@gmail.com or call/text her at (434) 806-3559.