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With a goal of nurturing these skills in more young children, the Aber Suzuki Center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has partnered with CAP Services Head Start program and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra (CWSO) to provide music classes for Head Start families in the community. Grants from the Women’s Fund of Portage County, the Servants of Mary organization and a private donor provided financial assistance initially. 

Head Start students from birth to age 4 began Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes in September 2015. Students and their parents attend the classes together once a week at the Noel Fine Arts Center on campus. Led by early childhood experts Marge Andersen and Judy Meyer, students learn motor, aural, visual and socialization skills. 

Parents quickly see how their children respond and develop. “He has grown so much in the past six weeks. He is really taking everything in and learning so much,” Christine Fuller, Stevens Point, said of her 18-month-old son. “We love how much this class has brought the love of music into our home.” 

Parents and children enjoy the classes, said Aber Suzuki Center director Pat D’Ercole. 

“I love how much we interact together and how much she smiles,” said Carissa Jed, Plover, whose daughter, age 4, is in the program.

Families also receive complimentary tickets to CWSO concerts, and observe instrument demonstrations by orchestra members and Suzuki faculty. 

“All the families who were able to take full advantage of the courses are planning to return for the spring semester,” said D’Ercole, “and they have requested that classes be extended from six-week to eight-week sessions.” 

The spring sessions begin Thursday, Jan. 21, and continue through May 20. For more information on UW-Stevens Point’s Aber Suzuki Center and its programs, go to www.uwsp.edu/Suzuki or call 715-346-3033. 

Funding is being sought to continue the program next year.

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