Music Department Offers New Suzuki Method Certificate Program
Ohio Christian University has added a Suzuki Method Teaching Certification program to its Music Department’s offerings. The Suzuki Method Certification is a four-year program that prepares violin teachers to use this proven learning method.
Professors Linda and Roger Stieg earned their Suzuki Teacher Training certification after studying for two years with Dr. Suzuki in Japan. Both have enjoyed music teaching careers and are Suzuki Association of Americas (SAA)-accredited teacher trainers.
“Suzuki said his method is a philosophy of learning. We learned it directly from him and want to pass the baton, pass this brilliant method along,” explains Linda Stieg. “We want to do this in a Christian setting,” adds Roger. It is uncommon for violin teachers to learn the Suzuki method at a university, and this program is unique among faith-based schools.”
The ten units of the program cover the Suzuki learning philosophy, performance literature, and a supervised practicum. Undergraduates in the Bachelor of Music program, as well as university and private instructors, are encouraged to enroll. To enroll, individuals must demonstrate through an audition that they are accomplished violinists. Upon completing the program, graduates receive a certificate and qualify for SAA accreditation.
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a renowned violinist and violin teacher in Japan after World War II, devised his ‘mother tongue’ method of how to teach students to learn to play the violin by applying a holistic philosophy and technique similar to how young children learn their native language.”
The method helps children to realize their potential for playing the violin. When formulating his method, Suzuki observed how and why children learn to speak their native tongue quickly and well—by listening, watching, and receiving reinforcement in an encouraging, loving environment. He believed children learn to perform well when nurtured by caring teachers in a group of players who inspire each other through their varied proficiencies and levels of advancement.
To find out more about the Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy, click here.
Articles of Interest
An Evening With Mark Lee
Published: October 16, 2019
Ohio Christian University is excited to host an upcoming concert, “An
Evening with Mark Lee,” organized by Living by Faith Ministries. Lee is a
founding member and guitarist for popular Christian rock band Third Day. The
concert will be taking place on Sept. 16 from 7:00-8:30 pm, with doors
opening at 6:00.
Lee will perform songs from Third Day and his album Unshakeable Heart. He
will also share about his book, “Hurt Road,” in which he writes about the
hardships he has faced throughout his life. The concert will include a Q
Ohio Christian University is excited to host an upcoming concert, “An
Evening with Mark Lee,” organized by Living by Faith Ministries. Lee is a
founding member and guitarist for popular Christian rock band Third Day. The
concert will be taking place on Sept. 16 from 7:00-8:30 pm, with doors
opening at 6:00.
Lee will perform songs from Third Day and his album Unshakeable Heart. He
will also
Ohio Christian University is excited to host an upcoming concert, “An
Evening with Mark Lee,” organized by Living by Faith Ministries. Lee is a
founding member and guitarist for popular Christian
Ohio Christian Receives Four New Steinway Designed Pianos
Published: July 24, 2019
As part of a larger goal to become an All-Steinway School, Ohio Christian
University recently purchased four upright Boston model pianos designed by
Steinway
As part of a larger goal to become an All-Steinway School, Ohio Christian
University recently purchased four upright Boston model pianos designed by
Steinway
As part of a larger goal to become an All-Steinway School, Ohio Christian
University recently purchased four upright Boston model pianos designed by
Steinway
OCU To Hold Nashville Styled Songwriting Boot Camp
Published: March 25, 2019
by Keegan D’Alfonso
Ohio Christian University will hold its first songwriting conference on March
30 from 9:00 am to 5 pm. Michelle Martin, Coordinator of Worship Arts at OCU,
envisioned this event after experiencing many similar writing workshops in
Nashville, TN.
“My heart for the day was just to create an opportunity for song writers in
central Ohio to come together and get an experience like they might get in
Nashville if they went to a songwriting conference,” Martin said. “The
order of events is very similar to the conferences I’ve been to.”
The event will be held in OCU’s
by Keegan D’Alfonso
Ohio Christian University will hold its first songwriting conference on March
30 from 9:00 am to 5 pm. Michelle Martin, Coordinator of Worship Arts at OCU,
envisioned this event after experiencing many similar writing workshops in
Nashville, TN.
“My heart for the day was just to create an opportunity for song writers in
central Ohio to come together and get an
by Keegan D’Alfonso
Ohio Christian University will hold its first songwriting conference on March
30 from 9:00 am to 5 pm. Michelle Martin, Coordinator of Worship Arts at OCU,
envisioned this
Behind the Scenes: Inside Festival of Carols
Published: December 3, 2018
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
effortlessness.
Learning choreography with live choirs singing was a challenge that Movements
from the Heart (MFTH), the creative movement team, met in the practice time
afforded before the first
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative moment team. The choirs warm their vocal cords until
their voices float in glorious harmonies across the auditorium. The actors
labor in hectic preparation to perform with excellence and seeming
By Amber Ginter ‘19
Behind the scenes, behind the curtains of this year’s Festival of Carols,
the perspective is different for the eyes of this observer, who happens to be
part of the creative
2018 Festival of Carols' 'Peace on Earth' Theme Shares Global Hope
Published: December 2, 2018
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations featured the flags, colors,
and music of peoples across the globe, representing all who look to Christ
and His promise of eternal peace.
The Ohio Christian University Orchestra played the celebration's prelude with
George Edge, conducting, to the attendees who filled the spacious, modern
auditorium.
After University President Jon S. Kulaga opened the celebration with a warm
welcome and prayer,
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations featured the flags, colors,
and music of peoples across the globe, representing all who look to Christ
and His promise of eternal peace.
The Ohio Christian University Orchestra played the celebration's
Ohio Christian University’s 2018 Festival of Carols, performed in the
Ministry and Performing Arts Center, celebrated Christmas with 'Peace on
Earth' music from around the world. Decorations
Archived Articles of Interest
OCU's Ablaze to open for Tenth Avenue North on August 11th
Published: August 4, 2016
On August 11th, Ohio Christian University's traveling music ministry group
Ablaze will open for Tenth Avenue North at the Ross County Fair in
Chillicothe, Ohio.The student group travels the region bringing its
distinctive sound to churches, schools, youth events and more. Their
masterful vocals and instrumental arrangements blend the foundations of
contemporary worship with genuine, timeless lyrics as they spread the gospel
of Jesus Christ.
"We get to travel to lots of different places and meet a lot of people," said
Caitlyn McCrary, an Ablaze member and OCU Junior. "There have been
On August 11th, Ohio Christian University's traveling music ministry group
Ablaze will open for Tenth Avenue North at the Ross County Fair in
Chillicothe, Ohio.The student group travels the region bringing its
distinctive sound to churches, schools, youth events and more. Their
masterful vocals and instrumental arrangements blend the foundations of
contemporary worship with genuine, timeless
On August 11th, Ohio Christian University's traveling music ministry group
Ablaze will open for Tenth Avenue North at the Ross County Fair in
Chillicothe, Ohio.The student group travels the region
OCU's Music Program Scales Up with New Performing Arts Center
Published: April 12, 2016
CIRCLEVILLE — From classical and sacred music to gospel and contemporary
Christian, Ohio Christian University is home to a thriving music department
that promises to grow thanks to a new, state-of-the art performing arts
center. The University recently broke ground on the center that will take the
place of the chapel as the school’s performance venue.
“There’s a lot of excitement with this building,” said Vice President
of Operations Mike Fracassa. “We’ve had experts in to make it as
acoustically as perfect as possible.” The building was designed by the
McKnight Group of Grove City
CIRCLEVILLE — From classical and sacred music to gospel and contemporary
Christian, Ohio Christian University is home to a thriving music department
that promises to grow thanks to a new, state-of-the art performing arts
center. The University recently broke ground on the center that will take the
place of the chapel as the school’s performance venue.
“There’s a lot of excitement with this
CIRCLEVILLE — From classical and sacred music to gospel and contemporary
Christian, Ohio Christian University is home to a thriving music department
that promises to grow thanks to a new, state-of-
University Chorale and Orchestra to Perform at Pumpkin Show
Published: October 20, 2015
The University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Community Chorus under the
direction of Dr. Dione Bennett will be performing at the Circleville Pumpkin
Show on the Pickaway County Visitors Pavilion Stage on Franklin Street on
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 5:00-5:30 p.m.. Additionally, the University
Chamber Winds, Chamber Strings, and the Chamber Wind and String Ensemble will
be performing on the Franklin Street Stage on Friday, October 23, 2015 from
4:30-5:15 p.m.
The University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Community Chorus under the
direction of Dr. Dione Bennett will be performing at the Circleville Pumpkin
Show on the Pickaway County Visitors Pavilion Stage on Franklin Street on
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 5:00-5:30 p.m.. Additionally, the University
Chamber Winds, Chamber Strings, and the Chamber Wind and String Ensemble will
be performing
The University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Community Chorus under the
direction of Dr. Dione Bennett will be performing at the Circleville Pumpkin
Show on the Pickaway County Visitors Pavilion
Mother/Daughter “Duet” Win Selfie Contest
Published: June 19, 2015
OCU traditional student Abbie Ailes and her mother, Jill, are the winners of
the Sentimental Selfie Contest put on by The Lorenz Corporation – a
Dayton-based publishing company specializing in sacred and school music.Abbie
and her mom won the award for Most Sentimental Story and Creative Picture.
For winning they’ll receive $125 in Lorenz music and are featured in
Lorenz’s Fall 2015 Anthem promotion.We talked with Allie about her talent,
faith, relationship with her mom, and her walk with the Lord.Ohio Christian
University: How is your skill with violin related with your relationship
OCU traditional student Abbie Ailes and her mother, Jill, are the winners of
the Sentimental Selfie Contest put on by The Lorenz Corporation – a
Dayton-based publishing company specializing in sacred and school music.Abbie
and her mom won the award for Most Sentimental Story and Creative Picture.
For winning they’ll receive $125 in Lorenz music and are featured in
Lorenz’s Fall 2015 Anthem
OCU traditional student Abbie Ailes and her mother, Jill, are the winners of
the Sentimental Selfie Contest put on by The Lorenz Corporation – a
Dayton-based publishing company specializing in
OCU Music Department Awarded Grant by the Pickaway County Community Foundation
Published: November 5, 2013
Ohio Christian University Department of Music would like to announce that
they have been awarded a generous grant from the Pickaway County Community
Foundation in support of the Music Department’s Performance Series. Over
the past six years, the OCU Music Department has actively endeavored to
contribute to the musical culture of Pickaway County by hosting free concerts
by musical artists from around the state and the nation.“The Music
Department is highly honored by the generous grant of the Pickaway County
Community Foundation,” commented Dr. John Anthony, chair of the OCU Music
Ohio Christian University Department of Music would like to announce that
they have been awarded a generous grant from the Pickaway County Community
Foundation in support of the Music Department’s Performance Series. Over
the past six years, the OCU Music Department has actively endeavored to
contribute to the musical culture of Pickaway County by hosting free concerts
by musical artists
Ohio Christian University Department of Music would like to announce that
they have been awarded a generous grant from the Pickaway County Community
Foundation in support of the Music Department’s
