Strings for Little Stars was first founded by Ryan in March of 2008, as he lamented the lack of early music education for children in his town. Ryan strongly felt that a childhood interest in playing instruments later develops into increased musicianship, and decided that he would have to begin a program that would spark this interest.
As a frequent visitor to the Montvale Public Library, Ryan recognized the variety of programs offered there and was surprised at the number of enthusiastic participants. Hoping for the same, he coordinated a violin-lesson program with Ms. Giulia Bombace, who manages programs at the Library.
After the first 10-week session with his class, Ryan found that it was too early to ask that the students go to private teachers. He felt an obligation to teach at least the basics fully and completely before suggesting that they continue their violin studies on their own.
Therefore, he expanded the program to three different levels (I, II, and III) and also taught a fall session with the same students in a Level II class. The following spring (in 2009), the program grew to its current three level structure, and Ryan has been teaching all three classes per session ever since. In that time, the program also grew to include the cello, and spread across many towns in North Jersey. Later, Ryan's efforts throughout the year resulted in the expansion of Strings for Little Stars all across New Jersey.
In addition, Ryan established the second component of Strings for Little Stars during that session - the instrument donation program. With this program, he and his fellow teachers hope to donate instruments to schools and orphanages in impoverished areas and travel to these locations to volunteer their efforts.
The Lesson Plan
As stated previously, Strings for Little Stars involves three levels of instrumental education, each 10-weeks and in ascending tiers.
Level I: Fundamentals
The Level I course is the most beginner course offered. It covers the basics of playing music, including basic music theory, reading notes, rests, how to hold the instrument, etc. As the students learn how to at least make a sound out of their instruments, the session moves into learning a basic song (i.e. for violins, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star") and culminates with a performance of that song.
Level II: Intermediate Techniques
Intermediate Techniques is the second level course, to be taken after completing the Level I course. This session will build on the first course by introducing new songs that require more violin techniques, such as spiccato, legato, circling the bow, and more. Students will be taught how to improve their form and how to play in groups. The session will also introduce and emphasize the practicing of scales.
Level III: Advanced Concepts
The third and final tier course is Advanced Concepts. This session prepares the student for private lessons and focuses on completion of the essential pieces Suzuki Book One. More scales and the concept of shifting will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on getting the best sound possible out of the instrument, including improvement of bow technique (i.e. flexibility of wrist).
The Method
Learn more about the Strings for Little Stars method here.
The Instrumental Donation Program
In the spring of 2009, Ryan established an instrumental donation program as part of Strings for Little Stars. Through this program, he hoped to send instruments to children in impoverished areas so that they may have a chance to experience music themselves. Specifically, Ryan wanted to donate instruments to schools in such areas, and to travel to the locations to teach volunteer classes and assist community projects.
Since then, Ryan has donated instruments (primarily violins) and supplies to orphanages in Uganda and Tanzania, with plans to donate to areas in New Jersey, such as Paterson and Newark. In the future, Ryan plans to lead his fellow teachers and visit these areas in order to volunteer and contribute in any way possible.
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