Educational offerings for everyone

Lessons

The anchor of every student’s education is the private lesson geared towards the personal needs of each student. Lessons happen weekly for all students. If students are interested, they may request a second check up lesson each week

Group classes

All students, except for advanced high school students, participate in group class based on repertoire, reading, skill levels, and their age. Students work to elevate their ensemble, reading, technique, theory, and musical fluency skills while expanding repertoire in a fun and interactive environment. 

recitals

Recitals give students direction, performance practice, and the opportunity to share their mastered music with a supportive audience of their peers and studio families. Beyond recitals, students also have the option to explore their solo performing in more frequent studio classes and casual informal practice recitals throughout the year.

Concerts

Twice a year students are given the opportunity to perform in their chamber groups and larger ensemble including the annual Halloween Concert and the end of the year Pizza Party Play In.

Optional Educational and Motivational Experiences

Chamber Music

Chamber Music: Students can register to participate in weekly chamber coachings with other kids their same playing, age, and interest level in to help them more deeply connect to the music, the process of exploring the music, and to the other musicians they share their experience with.

Master Classes

Master Classes: Every once in a while we are lucky to have a guest artist come in and teach the kids in a public format. This allows members of the studio to learn by both participating and observing these great masters.

Studio Class

Studio Class: Twice a semester, students who have a piece ready to play are invited to practice performing in a relaxed and supportive environment, receive positive feedback from their peers, and learn something new through teacher feedback. These practice performances are often followed by a gathering to celebrate their hard work and allow parents and children to enjoy each other’s company and build connections that sustain their interest and heightens their motivation.

Parent discussions

Parent discussions: Once or twice a year, talks and discussions are scheduled to help parents navigate the process of supporting their child as a Suzuki parent and as their child advances and begins to take more ownership and independence. Topics vary based on the needs and interests of the parents at the time.

Events outside the studio with fellow musicians

concerts in the community

Occasionally students are able to gather to perform as guests within or for other organizations as a way of contributing, having fun, or expanding their level of experiences. All performance options are shared with each family and if they choose to participate, are supported in their preparation.

Concert Outings

We are very lucky in this area to have many world renowned artists perform locally. At least once a year we try to gather students together who are interested in attending a concert as a group to enjoy the concert or open rehearsal with friends and fellow musicians.

Meeting the Artists

After group visits to concerts, whenever possible, it has been a great joy for students to have the chance to meet the artists. Some of the artists students have had the opportunity to meet including Ray Chen, Gil Shaham, Joshua Bell, Augustin Hadelich, Johnathan Vinacour, Mads Tolling, John Nakamatsu, the Lincolm Trio, and the Pacifica String Quartet.

competitions, auditions, evaluations

While working to neutralize competition and foster support between students and those around them, students are given the opportunity to clarify the direction of their practice with evaluations and competitions and expand their opportunities by taking auditions. When students exhibit both the musical skill and self esteem necessary to add these experiences, they are supported both emotionally and pedagogically as they work to bring their best music and best selves to the experience.

Retreats

For chamber groups that show dedication and interest, students have the option of enjoying a short retreat guided by Danielle Charboneau and guests to expand and deepen their education with communication and rehearsal skills, performance strategies, body use exploration, and deeper rehearsals in a relaxed setting while bonding through their hard work and fun, as a contribution to their growth as musicians and as a group.

Theory

Theory, the understanding and evaluation of the written form of music, is explored primarily in group class, but is referenced when applicable in private lessons to help students remember taught material and to better understand what they are looking at and what the composer intended.