WKU Pre-College Strings

For the Love of Music

The Music Department and the WKU Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) have launched this program to offer high quality instruction in orchestral stringed instruments in a nurturing environment. Three WKU music faculty members will be teaching Cello (Ms. Sarah Boronow), Double Bass (Dr. William Scott) and Violin (Ms. Angela Rex).

WKU Pre-College teachers are fluent in many of the various instructional methods of the day, including Suzuki (rote/learn by listening) and more traditional (note reading/theory) methods. The method of instruction used for each student is determined by the parent and the teacher with an emphasis on what will work "best" for each student's individual needs.

Classes for younger children are generally taught using the Talent Education method of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist. The Suzuki method focuses on teaching children to play musical instruments in much the same way that they learn to speak: they listen first. The first years of music instruction are the most important, for they set the stage for everything that follows – whether a child develops into a professional musician or an amateur. The skills of concentration and the joy and love for music will remain forever.

Another aspect of the Music Department/DELO collaboration brings string lessons directly to the students in eight Bowling Green Independent and Warren County Elementary Schools. Dr. William Scott, Baker Professor of Music, has 28 years of experiences developing string programs in public schools.