My Students' Melodies: Introducing Young String Students to Composition

Several years ago, Suzuki violin instructor Jane Soyka embarked on a project with her students which has proven to inspire and motivate them as musicians, as well as offer them the opportunity to create music from scratch, following some basic rules and fundamentals of music theory. Through the process of writing their own music, her students have benefited not only by their exposure to theory, ear-training and violin technique, but she has also given them enthusiasm and a new love for practicing their instruments. Jane shares her experiences with string teachers, and offers them ideas on how this process can be adapted in the private studio and in the classroom.