Suzuki Department
Suzuki Department - Core Philosophy
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| Suzuki Department Chair - George Little | Suzuki String Coordinator - Katherine Roussopoulos |
The Suzuki Method is a process of teaching children based on how they develop language. In our Suzuki program students have two lessons a week, one private lesson and one lesson in a group comprised of musicians of similar age and ability. Just as parents play an active role in teaching children their mother-tongue, parents here too, play an active role in their child's development. By attending lessons and working with the teachers, parents are instructed on how to help their children practice at home. In addition to daily practice, students also have a daily listening assignment which help develop their ear and learn the repertoire. Suzuki students and parents participate in a community which includes play-ins, concerts, and parent meetings to celebrate their children's progress.
The Conservatory offers Suzuki training in violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, piano and bass for students four and up. Also called the "Mother Tongue" method, Suzuki instruction is modeled on the way children learn to speak their native tongue. The method’s philosophy includes the belief that talent is not inherited, but nurtured by a child’s environment. The instruction, which encourages active parental involvement, aims to envelop the entire family unit, to help unfold the child’s natural potential to learn and become a happy, productive person.
Key program components that differ from traditional instruction include, significant parental involvement, daily listening, and regular group lessons in addition to weekly private lessons.
Parents wishing to enroll their child in the Suzuki Program must observe a private and a group Suzuki lesson before enrolling their child, and must attend a parent orientation meeting before their child begins lessons.
Suzuki Lessons
Students may start lessons on violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, and bass as young as age three.
Our lesson prices are based on two 17-week semesters.
Prices below are for the 2012-2013 academic year.
| Private Lesson | Group class | |||
| 17 weeks | 34 weeks | 17 weeks | 34 weeks | |
| 30 minutes | $714 | $1428 | $145 | $290 |
| 45 minutes | $986 | $1972 | $210 | $420 |
| 60 minutes | $1258 | $2516 | $255 | $510 |
Students will be placed in an appropriate group class by their instructor. Placement is based on age, ability and instrument.
Basic Musicianship Workshops
Students enrolled in Private Lessons or Suzuki Instruction are eligible to attend Basic Musicianship Workshops.
Students compete. Click for details
Suzuki Strings
MaeLynn Arnold - violin
Connie Hagen - violin
Jenna Potts - violin
Chris Rathbun - cello & bass
Katherine Roussopoulos - violin
Cynthia Weller - viola
Suzuki Guitar
George Little
Karen Rafferty
Joseph Scott
Suzuki Flute
Asako Yoshida
Suzuki Piano
Casey Hannan
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who can document financial need.
Financial Aid deadlines and application.