The Javaux Music School celebrates its 10th anniversary

​By Emily McClanathan
When Stephanie Javaux opened a music school for six young violinists in 2012, she never dreamed that
ten years later, three of her adult children would be working alongside her to teach more than 65 students.
Since those early days, the Quincy-based family business — now titled the Javaux Music School — has
grown to offer private lessons in four instruments, as well as group classes.

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​Along with Stephanie, current faculty members include cello teacher Stephen Javaux, harp and piano
teacher Sarah (Javaux) Boren and Hannah (Javaux) Fournier, who works with River Strings, the school’s
advanced violin ensemble. All instructors are trained in the Suzuki method, a widely respected approach
to music education that involves parental participation, listening and repetition.
“As Suzuki teachers, we first of all care for our students as people, and we care about their hearts and
their character development,” Stephanie says. “After that, we care about their growth as musicians.”
Suzuki students typically begin learning their chosen instrument at an early age, and a parent attends
lessons and works with them at home. Javaux Music School students also gain experience playing in
public at solo recitals, an annual all-school concert and community performances. “We really want our
students to share their music as a gift to others,” says Stephanie. The school also raises scholarship funds
for students to attend summer music camps.
For families, the school’s approach has proven to be highly successful. “We love the combination of kind,
knowledgeable and patient teachers with the wisdom of the Suzuki method. It has allowed our children to
excel, endure and succeed in their musical journey,” said one parent.
As for the Javauxs, their hopes for each young musician can be summed up in Stephanie’s words: “We
just want them to play and love music for the rest of their life.”