• Welcome to the Joyful Sounds Suzuki Piano Site

    A Message from Teacher

    I am so thrilled you are interested in Suzuki piano lessons for your child!

    I believe all children benefit from the joy of the study of music. On this site, you will find information on the Suzuki Method of learning a musical instrument and will notice it incorporates high parent involvement. Having been traditionally trained and initially teaching using the traditional method, I have found the Suzuki method to be more motivational, logical, and enjoyable. It includes high quality ear training, tone production, technique, and when the student is ready, theory and music reading.

    You are to be commended for your interest in music education for your child. Please contact me for more information.

    Sincerely,

    Nancy Hochstetler

    Studio Activities

    Formal & Casual Performances

    Students have many opportunities to perform for a wide variety of audiences in many different settings (i.e., Formal Spring Awards Recital, casual mini-recitals in the homes of our studio families, local community events in combination with students from other studios, Festival participation, etc.)

    Annual Flash Card Contest

    Students demonstrate both speed and accuracy with their musical notation and other theory concepts (requirements vary depending on student's experience) and receive special recognition and prizes for meeting and exceeding expectations.

    100 Days of Practice Club - Ongoing

    Students are challenged to practice and listen to their recordings EVERY day! Recognition is given for several levels leading up to and surpassing 100 days in a row!

    Star Student Challenge

    During the Spring Semester, students carefully track their time spent practicing and listening. If the student meets the minimum requirement for their age and experience level, they will receive a Trophy at our Spring Awards Recital.

    National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) - Festival

    Select students prepare two pieces to perform for judges and receive helpful feedback. Special recognition is given to all participants and trophies are earned by students meeting specific Festival requirements after several years of participation.

    Twinkle Awards

    Students receive special motivational awards right from the start! Once a student can play all Twinkle Varitions, both left and right hands seperately, they receive this recognition.

    Ongoing Parent Education

    Opportunities for parent education, enrichment, and motivation take place throughout the year in many forms (i.e., Lectures and Masterclasses by World renowned Suzuki Instructor Bruce Anderson, Annual Studio Parent Meetings, attendance at local recitals and college events, the Suzuki Association of the America's Parents as Partners Online, etc.)

    Suzuki Book Graduation Parties

    Students finishing a Suzuki Volume often choose to perform their book in it's entirety for friends, family, and the studio in addition to celebrating with a party.

  • About the Suzuki Method

    More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist, Shinichi Suzuki, realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language at a sophisticated level at a very young age with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.

    Lessons comprise of high quality ear training, beautiful tone production, and technique from the beginning. Then, when the student is ready, theory and music reading are taught.

    read more

    Testimonials from Our Studio Parents

    Melanie V.

    "The Suzuki method has helped me to enjoy the process of learning more with my children. I love the attention to detail and the beauty of the entire musical performance, including the bow."


    Aesha M.

    "Mrs. Nancy gives positive reinforcement and is very patient with the children. Learning piano with Mrs. Nancy has taught my daughter many life skills too. Highly recommend it!"


    Julie Z.

    I cannot speak highly enough of Nancy's ability to balance motivation with kindness. She is hands down the BEST music teacher I have encountered, and I have been taught by graduates of some of the most prestigious music schools (Julliard) and Internationally renowned musicians. I have never encountered a teacher who puts so much time and thought into their student's progress.


    Bekky D.

    Karina studied with Mrs. Nancy for only a year because we moved, but she built such a strong foundation! Our new teacher was astounded at her technique and she really appreciated that Karina already knew some musical notation. I feel really grateful that we found her and could study with her.


    Wen L.

    Learning piano with Mrs. Nancy has been such a wonderful and enriching experience for my son and our family. Mrs. Nancy has the magic power of keeping our EXTREMELY active child concentrated during the lessons and motivated enough to practice daily after the class. I, as a parent, owe so much to Ms. Nancy --- I learned to be more patient, persistent, and methodological with my kids.


    Xiaohui X.

    My daughter has taken Nancy's piano lessons for over three years. Nancy is an amazing piano teacher as she is so patient, friendly, and skillful. My daughter enjoys each lesson so much with Nancy. We feel very lucky to have her as my daughter's piano teacher.

  • So you are interested in Piano Lessons...

    Fill out the Contact Form on this web site or call to obtain a packet of information, discuss availability, and schedule a free interview and lesson observation.

    To be successful, students and/ families must

    Beginner Materials & Supplies

    please note:

    THIS LIST IS EVER CHANGING AND IS FOR GENERAL REFERENCE ONLY. ALWAYS CHECK WITH TEACHER BEFORE PURCHASING SUPPLIES

    Suzuki Piano School - Volume I - New International Edition - Book only

    Please be sure to purchase the Book ONLY. The CD that comes with the book set IS NOT the CD our Studio uses.

    Suzuki Piano School - Volume I MP4 Album

    Please acquire the downloadable MP4 album on iTunes, performed by Haruko Katoaka: https://music.apple.com/us/album/suzuki-piano-school-vol-1/1146946797

    adjustable benches and footstools

    http://www.young-musicians.com

  • Upcoming Events

    October

       Fall Play-ins

    Dec.

       Christmas Recital

      

    April

       Spring Formal Recital

      

      

      

    Joyful Sounds Events

    Frequent public performances are an integral component to the Suzuki Method so that performing becomes natural and enjoyable.

    Our studio provides both casual (play -ins) and formal playing opportunites throughout our community for our students on a regular basis. Read about two of the wide variety of our performances below.


    Spring Formal Awards Recital

    The Spring Formal Awards Recital is always a special event that showcases and celebrates all of the hard work our students put forth during the year.


    Christmas Recital

    The semi- formal Christmas Recital, a favorite among our families, is a time to slow down and be swept away into the holiday spirit during the busy season.


    Costume/Prop Play-in

    The students look forward to wearing costumes or selecting props that reflect the mood or theme of their music.

  • Recital Video

    Excerpts from the Formal Spring Awards Recital.

  • Contact Information

    Nancy Hochstetler

    Gainesville, Florida
    Telephone: (352) 363-1131

    E-mail: joyfulsoundspiano@gmail.com

    Contact Form

  • Privacy Policy

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Nunc suscipit. Suspendisse enim arcu, convallis non, cursus sed, dignissim et, est. Aenean semper aliquet libero. In ante velit, cursus ut, ultrices vitae, tempor ut, risus. Duis pulvinar. Vestibulum vel pede at sapien sodales mattis. Quisque pretium, lacus nec iaculis vehicula, arcu libero consectetuer massa, auctor aliquet mauris ligula id ipsum. Vestibulum pede. Maecenas sit amet augue. Sed blandit lectus eget lectus. Mauris justo. Curabitur nibh lectus, dapibus id, tempor eu, tempor non, erat. Proin pede eros, pharetra ut, viverra sed, egestas nec, mauris.

    Nulla pharetra dignissim enim. Nam cursus eros ut massa. Proin rutrum. Donec non urna non leo aliquam cursus. Vivamus ornare viverra lacus. Fusce id sapien. Donec rhoncus, enim sit amet sodales elementum, elit odio sagittis erat, at tincidunt leo neque non pede. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mauris ac leo. Aliquam magna nibh, tincidunt ut, lobortis feugiat, consectetuer sed, sapien. Aenean dui eros, tempus non, pulvinar in, vestibulum sed, urna. Nullam eget arcu a pede adipiscing vestibulum. Donec accumsan lacus nec dolor. Etiam porttitor elit. Quisque suscipit, arcu id porttitor vehicula, sem eros congue nulla, id consequat massa diam at dui. Quisque quis massa. Suspendisse metus justo, pellentesque et, sagittis sit amet, consectetuer imperdiet, sapien. Nullam eu neque eget risus porttitor accumsan. Vivamus cursus pretium tortor.

    Nulla pharetra dignissim enim. Nam cursus eros ut massa. Proin rutrum. Donec non urna non leo aliquam cursus. Vivamus ornare viverra lacus. Fusce id sapien. Donec rhoncus, enim sit amet sodales elementum, elit odio sagittis erat, at tincidunt leo neque non pede. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mauris ac leo. Aliquam magna nibh, tincidunt ut, lobortis feugiat, consectetuer sed, sapien. Aenean dui eros, tempus non, pulvinar in, vestibulum sed, urna. Nullam eget arcu a pede adipiscing vestibulum. Donec accumsan lacus nec dolor. Etiam porttitor elit. Quisque suscipit, arcu id porttitor vehicula, sem eros congue nulla, id consequat massa diam at dui. Quisque quis massa. Suspendisse metus justo, pellentesque et, sagittis sit amet, consectetuer imperdiet, sapien. Nullam eu neque eget risus porttitor accumsan. Vivamus cursus pretium tortor.

    Nulla pharetra dignissim enim. Nam cursus eros ut massa. Proin rutrum. Donec non urna non leo aliquam cursus. Vivamus ornare viverra lacus. Fusce id sapien. Donec rhoncus, enim sit amet sodales elementum, elit odio sagittis erat, at tincidunt leo neque non pede. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mauris ac leo. Aliquam magna nibh, tincidunt ut, lobortis feugiat, consectetuer sed, sapien. Aenean dui eros, tempus non, pulvinar in, vestibulum sed, urna. Nullam eget arcu a pede adipiscing vestibulum. Donec accumsan lacus nec dolor. Etiam porttitor elit. Quisque suscipit, arcu id porttitor vehicula, sem eros congue nulla, id consequat massa diam at dui. Quisque quis massa. Suspendisse metus justo, pellentesque et, sagittis sit amet, consectetuer imperdiet, sapien. Nullam eu neque eget risus porttitor accumsan. Vivamus cursus pretium tortor.

    Nulla pharetra dignissim enim. Nam cursus eros ut massa. Proin rutrum. Donec non urna non leo aliquam cursus. Vivamus ornare viverra lacus. Fusce id sapien. Donec rhoncus, enim sit amet sodales elementum, elit odio sagittis erat, at tincidunt leo neque non pede. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mauris ac leo. Aliquam magna nibh, tincidunt ut, lobortis feugiat, consectetuer sed, sapien. Aenean dui eros, tempus non, pulvinar in, vestibulum sed, urna. Nullam eget arcu a pede adipiscing vestibulum. Donec accumsan lacus nec dolor. Etiam porttitor elit. Quisque suscipit, arcu id porttitor vehicula, sem eros congue nulla, id consequat massa diam at dui. Quisque quis massa. Suspendisse metus justo, pellentesque et, sagittis sit amet, consectetuer imperdiet, sapien. Nullam eu neque eget risus porttitor accumsan. Vivamus cursus pretium tortor.

    Nulla pharetra dignissim enim. Nam cursus eros ut massa. Proin rutrum. Donec non urna non leo aliquam cursus. Vivamus ornare viverra lacus. Fusce id sapien. Donec rhoncus, enim sit amet sodales elementum, elit odio sagittis erat, at tincidunt leo neque non pede. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos hymenaeos. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mauris ac leo. Aliquam magna nibh, tincidunt ut, lobortis feugiat, consectetuer sed, sapien. Aenean dui eros, tempus non, pulvinar in, vestibulum sed, urna. Nullam eget arcu a pede adipiscing vestibulum. Donec accumsan lacus nec dolor. Etiam porttitor elit. Quisque suscipit, arcu id porttitor vehicula, sem eros congue nulla, id consequat massa diam at dui. Quisque quis massa. Suspendisse metus justo, pellentesque et, sagittis sit amet, consectetuer imperdiet, sapien. Nullam eu neque eget risus porttitor accumsan. Vivamus cursus pretium tortor.

  • More About Joyful Sounds Studio

    ABOUT


    More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.
    Parent Involvement

    As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.
    Early Beginning

    The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
    Listening

    Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
    Repetition

    Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
    Encouragement

    As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
    Learning with Other Children

    In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from an are motivated by each other.
    Graded Repertoire

    Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
    Delayed Reading

    Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. in the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music

  • More About the Suzuki Method

    Every Child Can Learn


    More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.
    High Parent Involvement

    As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment. No musical experience necessary.
    Early Beginning

    The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
    Listening

    Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
    Repetition

    Constant repetition (and review) is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
    Encouragement

    As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
    Learning with Other Children

    In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group performances at which they learn from and are motivated by each other.
    Graded Repertoire

    Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
    Delayed Reading

    Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music.

playlist