2011 Summer Session July 10th through July 15th Registration Currently Closed

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Parent Programs

The Suzuki method is built around parent participation. It is expected that a parent will accompany their child to classes and will help them prepare for the next day’s classes. Recitals, films, and discussions are all open and free to parents attending the institute.

First Time Families

Suzuki Institute offers 3 main classes each day – Repertoire, Master, and Technique classes, each lasting 1 hour. Because we group children together with similar abilities, these classes may be at various times throughout the day, and not back-to-back. Individual schedules are available at registration (Sunday, July 11 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.). Classes begin Sunday afternoon, but because individual schedules vary, a child may have only one or several classes that day. Registration and all classes are held in the Music Building on the UM campus. Because this is an institute which values parent participation, there is no child care available and parents are expected to accompany their children to classes during the week.

Master class provides one-on-one time with a master teacher. Each master class has only 2-4 students, providing ample time per child for instruction (if not playing for the teacher, students listen while others receive individual attention). During the first Master class, the student will be asked to play a memorized, polished piece (with correct bowing) from their current Suzuki book (i.e., if you are in book 3, then play a piece from book 3). The master teacher then uses this piece as a means of instruction on ways to specifically improve (whether it is tone, bow hold, rhythm, dynamics, etc.). Of note, some children will have their first Master class on Sunday, while others may not have their Master class until Monday morning.

Repertoire class is a group class, composed of children in the same Suzuki book level. Specific pieces are chosen from their current Suzuki book, and other pieces may be played from earlier books. Our website has a list of the repertoire music for each book (see literature). Students obtain maximum benefit when these pieces are memorized. Repertoire class uses these pieces to teach how the music can be played, including dynamics and bowing techniques used to achieve a certain sound.

Technique class, like repertoire class, is a group class with children in the same Suzuki book level. This class emphasizes bowing, tone, fingering, and musical knowledge.

Students may also enjoy an optional enrichment class. These classes provide musical experiences depending on their interest. We also allow parents to register for an enrichment class if they so choose (some parents play the violin, others enjoy African Drumming or the parenting class). These classes are held daily, so most students only register for 1 or 2 enrichment classes. There is an extra fee per enrichment class.

There is a “play-in” Sunday evening. All the children play together and play just the pieces they know (there will be music from book 1 to book 8). It is an enjoyable opportunity for the children to play together. Afterwards, we set up tables for the parents and children to tie-dye their institute t-shirts (parents may want to order their own on the registration sheet; the students’ t-shirts are included in tuition fees).

There are several concerts during the week. The first, or Student Recital, is given by students chosen from their respective Master class. On the first day of Master class, the teacher may ask students who have played well if they would like to perform their piece for this concert. It is optional but a privilege. If chosen, they will be given a paper to take to the office to arrange a time to practice with the pianist.

Another concert is given by all the enrichment classes. Students will perform with their respective enrichment classes. This is a fun and diverse concert given at the end of the week.

On the last evening of Institute, a final concert, involving all the students, is given. The most advanced pieces to Twinkle are played. This again is an enjoyable concert with all students on the stage at the end.

There is no strict dress code. However, many students involved in the Student Recital do dress-up (this may be a casual dress for girls or slacks for boys). The final concert has also been a time when some students may dress-up.