Information

All students ages 12 and under must attend with an adult chaperone. Our student programs are designed with the understanding that parents will be involved, as they are at home, with lessons, practice, and the general supervision of their children.

Students who don’t study with a Suzuki teacher are discouraged from enrolling in full programs since it is expected that students will be familiar with all of the Suzuki repertoire up to their level, playing it from memory in their Core Suzuki classes. Please contact us with any questions about this, including the option to participate in the “Try-It-Out” class.

Check the Institute Preparation page for suggested review pieces for your instrument. Practice these pieces and be prepared to play them memorized at Institute.

The Student Recital is an opportunity for the most well-prepared, polished pieces to be shared with the Institute community. Master Class faculty select the pieces based on a high standard of excellence. Students whose pieces are chosen for this recital will be given a recital slip and further instructions after their first Master Class.

Yes! You can purchase a UM parking pass as an add-on to your Institute registration.

You will not need a car to get around the UM Campus, but if you are staying off-campus, or you want to explore outside the University or downtown areas of Missoula, you may prefer to have a vehicle.  If you do not rent a car, you have multiple options for transportation from the airport. More information here.

You can find a practice room or space outside to practice, observe a class, read a book, take a nap, explore the UM campus, hike the M, solve the big puzzle in the lobby…

Yes, although a stable connection is not guaranteed.

Bring your instrument, notebook and pencil, music (relevant Suzuki book or any music that was sent to you), water bottle, snacks, and have a lunch plan.  If coming from out of town, please make sure to bring at least one performance outfit (see below).  You may also want to bring a folding music stand for outside practice on beautiful, Missoula-summer days!

It is an honor to perform, and your conduct and attire should be respectful and professional. Appropriate attire includes dress slacks, skirt, or dress; dress shirt or top; and dress shoes.  Skirts and dresses must be knee length or longer.  Please avoid jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tennis shoes, hiking boots, and flip-flops.

A Play-in is an iconic Suzuki event, bringing together all levels of Suzuki-trained string players.  During the MSI Play-In, Suzuki faculty will lead all Institute participants in a variety of Suzuki pieces from Books 1-4. Students join in to perform all the songs they know, and they sit and listen with others to the songs that they have yet to learn.

All Institute activities exist to support the growth of students and provide a full and valuable Institute experience. Please plan to attend all Institute activities and support the performers.

Our priority is to place students in classes that are the appropriate age/level, and specific free hours, faculty arrangements, etc. result from this priority scheduling.  These cannot be easily adjusted.

Students are occasionally photographed or video recorded during Institute activities. These photos or videos may be used to advertise or promote the Suzuki Program. By enrolling in the Montana Suzuki Institute, you agree to this policy. However, if you do not want your child’s photographs or videos to be used in publications, please submit a written notice of this here.