staff.

American Sherry Goebelt, teacher of Suzuki piano and Kindermusik, and Jyrki Pietila, teacher of Suzuki violin, joined the Dunbarton team earlier this month.

Ms Goebelt said she was excited and very much looking forward to the challenge of teaching at Dunbarton.

"We have a high enrolment this year, so it will be very exciting,'' she said.

A graduate of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, Ms. Goebelt described Kindermusik as an introduction to music for children which incorporates the entire family.

"`It incorporates kids and their families via parental involvement in home activities,'' she explained. "It teaches various skills, like motor skills and relations with parents, via music. It's a lot more than just music but it's all done through music.'' Ms Goebelt, who teaches classes days, evenings and Saturdays, said her goal was to be the most nurturing teacher she could be to her students.

She said she still had some openings for those parents interested in signing their children up.

"We try our best to accommodate anyone who wants to experience music.

Sometimes that means me having to stick around.'' The second of the new teachers hails from Finland.

Mr. Pietila, a former orchestra musician, told The Royal Gazette he saw himself as a messenger of Dr. Suzuki.

"He has a lot to give to the world. The Suzuki method brings music to the family, so I start with the parents. I talk to them about coping with a three or four-year-old playing a violin around the house.'' A graduate of Helsinki Conservatory of Music, Mr. Pietila said that Bermudian children were different from Finnish children.

"The kids here are responsive,'' he explained. "They are different from northern people, who are more introverted. Southern people are extroverts.'' Mr. Pietila, who in addition to speaking three languages, holds a Masters degree in music, said he still had openings and suggested that interested parents call the school.

"Just call the school and we'll see what we can do. I already have 40 students.'' THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK -- Jyrki Pietila and Sherry Goebelt are the latest additions to the Dunbarton School of Music.