Kid to learn Violin - Suzuki Method. Annual compulsory membership fee $108?

Related Stores

suzukimusic.com.au

• 

  scotty on 26/08/2016 - 00:06

  +2

  Article from The Telegraph? Take it with a grain of salt :) In the big scheme of things, learning music can be expensive especially something like piano or violin. $108 with private tuition won't even last you 2 hours. Not sure what's the point of even comparing it to Xbox Gold.

  • 

    eatwell365 on 26/08/2016 - 01:10

    -3

    remember watching a recent tv advertisement, investment per child can be around 400k with low return, but there are things more than money in life. $40+ minimum per lesson is expected which I agree.
    Just try to understand why there is a compulsory annual membership for Suzuki on top of lessons.
    Xbox gold live provides the benefit of entertainment and use of its servers, this thing doesn't seem to have any..

    • 

      scotty on 26/08/2016 - 12:07

      +1

      You can actually find out the "benefit" of the membership on their website:

      • Access to the only accredited Suzuki teachers in New South Wales and the ACT.
      • Supporting the training and professional development of your teacher
      • Access to Suzuki events such as workshops, concerts, graduations and other special events, many with special guest tutors and artists from interstate and overseas.
      • Quarterly Newsletter containing helpful articles and information on events.
      • Opportunity to gain recognition by graduating via attaining internationally recognised, prescribed levels of the Suzuki repertoire.
      • Free Parent Education lectures
      • Becoming part of a national and international community of Suzuki families and teachers.
      • 5-10% discount on merchandise purchased through Talent Sound Enterprises, the official retail arm of STEAA(NSW) Inc

      Basically you are paying something compulsory to be part of it. Some might think it's good value but some might not — just like any membership fees. Costco? Union fee?

      Note — my kids are going through AMEB (piano & clarinet) but have friends who are in Suzuki.

      • 

        eatwell365 on 26/08/2016 - 12:32

        thanks. was that your choice on AMEB? is one better than the other.

• 

  airzone on 26/08/2016 - 01:57

  +3

  This seems to just be a tax. Not prorating it seems to be quite rude though. ABRSM have fees too. http://au.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/exam-dates-and-fees/ Comparing to xbox gold isn't constructive though..

  The only real way to escape it is to use an independent teacher.

  My older daughter has an independent teacher for piano, and it's all very casual and fun. I also show her a few things on the side. If she wants to take it more seriously as she gets older, then she can involve herself in the theory and a grading system.

  We are waiting to see which way the wind blows with the youngest. If anything, I suspect it will be singing… But she might want to follow her sister (and dad lol).

  • 

    eatwell365 on 26/08/2016 - 07:11

    ABRSM fee is for exam, while the Suzuki subscription seems like a tax for none.
    I could be wrong hence to ask my fellow ozbargainers for opinion.

    My apology if brought up Xbox gold - this is the annual subscription which I think it is worth and am happy to pay for.

• 

  lupiter on 26/08/2016 - 08:43

  +1

  As a child, I tried Suzuki method for flute, but didn't like it and switched to AMEB Grades. There's lots of fees associated with any musical training, even if you're not getting accredited (lessons, instrument costs, sheet music). I remember for AMEB, although we paid for the exam as a once-only payment, to do the exam you had to have the music in the AMEB books, which were expensive (luckily we got some 2nd hand). A $108 fee isn't too bad compared with the $50/lesson I remember.

  If you're not happy with the teacher or teaching method, shop around. There's usually a bit of choice, although like all education the rapport between teacher and student is what has the biggest impact.