Enchanted Wood
Violin Studio
home of Kaleidoscopes for Violin
Enchanted Wood Violin Studio, located in Austin, Texas, trains a symphony level of proficiency while offering a joyful experience for young children. We are a Suzuki program and believe that the dedicated study of violin allows children to develop strengths of character which benefit them in all areas of life. Our unique program, guided by highly experienced faculty, balances violin technique with well-rounded musicianship.
A Unique curriculum
Our program for young students offers several enhancements on the original Suzuki approach.
In traditional Suzuki, students must follow the curriculum in sequence and is not free to move to a new song even if they have reached a plateau. Our method is structured so that your child can follow their passion and curiosity, while still attaining excellent results.
Kaleidoscopes uses Montessori principles to build critical thinking and observation. The teacher offers just the right amount of guidance for the child to discover important concepts for themselves. Children are excited by each new discovery and feel invested in their new knowledge.
Teachers who visit our studio are stunned to observe the knowledge and sophistication of even our youngest students. They consistently comment on our students’ passion, focus, work ethic, and enthusiasm. While rigorous technical training is not always found side-by-side with joyful learning, in our studio the two go hand in hand.
In the words of one teacher, “I’ve watched hundreds of lessons. And I don’t think I have ever seen a lesson as fun as this was. In just a ton of ways.”
Literacy
Children learn note-reading from the beginning in a way that promotes pattern recognition, active engagement, and cognitive flexibility.
Artistry
Beautiful materials and evocative music give children an opportunity to develop their heart and spirit and to express their inmost thoughts and feelings.
Poise
Violin develops whole-body strength, grace, fluidity and inner awareness in a way that children find inherently fulfilling.
Character
Respect, collaboration, and critical thinking are an essential part of becoming a musician.
Resilience and strength of character develop as your child overcomes challenges, performs on stage, and collaborates with musical peers.
Community
Bi-monthly group classes teach additional skills such as theory, ensemble, and composition.
Students often make best friends and “find their tribe” in these intimate classes of dedicated families.
Leadership
Older students have an opportunity to work with younger students under supportive adult supervision.
This helps them develop analytical and communication skills as well as leadership and confidence, while building their resume for college and beyond.
What Parents Say
“Our children came to Elise after we received glowing recommendations from former and current students. At first we were a bit intimidated by her exceptional credentials, as both a performer and teacher. After all, our young girls had never taken music lessons.However, we quickly found that her passion for teaching and music — coupled with her ability to connect with each student’s personality — is why she is so effective and is the source of her many recommendations.
“Elise uses a method that combines several teaching philosophies. The result is comprehensive in nature and provides the student with a wonderful foundation in music theory, rhythmic improv, composition & note-reading. Elise is a skilled professional, organized, and wholly dedicated to teaching the art of music to her students. We have been extremely pleased with our children’s progress.
Nathan C., in Pflugerville, TX
Daughters age 4 1/2 and 6
“I would like to thank you for what you have done to Jin Wei in the past two years! It has been great blessing to her. Jin Wei has made an incredible progress in violin playing under your direction. You introduced her to the wonderful music world and inspired her to play music from her heart.
“Compared to the education I received when I was kid, Kaleidoscopes books are more kids-friendly and music-oriented. Kids love to play music instead of playing boring etudes and finger exercises when they start music education. I also like the “Line and Spaces” book, which has sight reading exercise and “solfege singing.” I think solfege singing is very helpful to ear training and wonder why it is not widely taught in U.S. public school system. In several other countries I know, solfege is covered in public elementary school music course.
“Jin Wei loves your jokes, funny stories, and silly faces. We love you as a teacher and appreciate what you have done to Jin Wei and other kids in the group!
Hong S. in Cedar Park, TX
Daughter age 8
Learn More and Enroll
As a parent, your involvement will be of critical importance in your child’s success on violin. Your elementary-age child will need your full support and involvement to achieve a high level of skill. This parental involvement is a core element of any Suzuki program.
The next step is to complete our short online parent orienation. After that you are welcome to get in touch with us and begin a conversation about enrolling your family in our studio.