- Archer Studios
Erin Archer
Suzuki Violin,Viola and Early Childhood Education Instructor
Preludium & Philharmonia Conductor, Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras
Hello and Welcome! My name is Erin Archer. I am a musician, violin/viola teacher, youth orchestra conductor, mother of triplets, and early childhood music educator. I have a love and passion for early childhood music instruction.
I have been teaching music since graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2000, and have held several roles in the Knoxville area: youth orchestra conductor for the Knoxville Symphony, Suzuki violin, viola, and early childhood educator. I am also a violist and vocalist for singer, songwriter, tv host, and author Erick Baker.
What I Teach
Suzuki Early Childhood Education, a weekly music program for mixed ages (geared for newborns and toddlers up to age 4). SECE builds on the child’s natural delight in learning through rhyme, actions, instruments, and song and lays the foundation for lifelong learning —to create an environment for children, free from pressure, in which they can gain skills, a sense of purpose in life, an understanding of discipline, and an appreciation of beauty.
It showcases musical instruments, rhymes, songs, dance, and actions where children can get involved in the fun! We explore steady beat, rhythm, pitch, movement, and literacy.
Bridge curriculum for pre-school and early elementary children as a transition into instrumental instruction. Based on all of the foundational elements of Suzuki Early Childhood Education, this curriculum helps prepare young musicians to transition to Suzuki violin instruction. She incorporates fun and engaging activities that include basic concepts: beginning rhythm, note reading, theory, and history.
Suzuki Violin and Viola InstructionThe ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach. A lifelong learner, I've received extensive and continuous Suzuki violin, viola and SECE trainings and completed Suzuki Principles in Action.
Youth Orchestra Conductor
I have been honored to be Preludium and Philharmonia conductor with the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras since 2006.
I believe in the philosophy that with a joyful heart and dedicated work every child can achieve success. She fosters a fun and nurturing teaching environment while at the same time, always challenging the student to take the next step in their personal growth. Her goal is to not only offer string education but to give opportunities for children to develop skills in promoting healthy self-confidence.
Suzuki Early Childhood
Every Child Can Learn
- Studio CalendarLesson Schedule and Events
- MotivationHelpful information for both students and parentsSuzuki Violin Lessons and What to Expect as a Parent
I became a Suzuki teacher because I truly believe that every child can learn; this is the Suzuki Philosophy!
Learning the violin is believe it or not, not the primary goal of lessons. In order for me to be successful at my job as your child's violin teacher my goal is to help establish and improve focus, poise, stage presence, memorization and general life lessons! We can all learn a lot about being a good citizen of this world just by learning an instrument!
I am not striving to make your kid a virtuoso at the violin. I do teach to a high standard so children can CHOOSE if they want to pursue music in college if they choose and they will be prepared to do so. If not, they will be able to have the violin as part of their life.
There will be struggles. Is this worth it? The violin is the instrument of transformation. It is the instrument we are using to work through life lessons. It is necessary to teach the violin at the highest level in order to learn the lessons they face in life. Yes, your child may not always want to practice, but they will learn discipline and focus along the way which will only trickle into every area of their life. It is not about learning songs and cranking out the notes. The child will be developed and changed fundamentally through their instrument.
My family as no musical background. Will this affect my child?
As a Suzuki teacher it is my belief that every child has the ability to become musical. It is the environment not the genetics the create the musician.
What will be required?
The child will need to be listening to their recordings daily. He or she needs to internalize the music enough for them to be able to hum and sing the songs. How much is enough listening? When dad is leaving for work humming the songs you’ve listened the appropriate amount! If they aren’t hearing a good model regularly then the child cannot aspire to the level of playing needed for success in their learning. Taking your child to live concerts is also a great way to introduce more learning as well as motivation!
Timeline of what is to be expected (young child)
In the beginning children may not want to participate as much in group classes or lessons, but eventually they will be acquainted the with routine and comfort and then they will step up to participate. Allow no pressure at the beginning. The child will be observing and absorbing all the information regardless of their physical participation.
What about inappropriate behavior?
Eventually kids will start to test their boundaries. They might start bringing some issues from home. Power struggles may appear. Our goal is for the teacher and parent to guide the child out of the behavior as quickly as possible.
Practice at Home
Dr. Suzuki placed emphasis on "only practicing on the days you eat". Set up a regular practice each day to ensure your child's success! Pick a time each day that has the minimum amount of stress. Set the time the day before after you've reviewed the schedule for the day. Daily practice is required.
- Email MeContact me with questions, comments or anything music! I will get back with you at my earliest convenience. Thank you!