Suzuki

What is Suzuki?

The Suzuki approach was developed by Shinichi Suzuki in Japan (1898-1998).   This approach seeks to foster instrumental playing skills in children in the same way they learn to speak – through imitation and repetition, in a positive, nurturing environment. According to Dr. Suzuki, every child has talent and can learn to play using this approach. His goal was not to produce prodigies, but to develop in children an appreciation of music, self, and others.

Suzuki Violin for Preschool Children

The Preschool Suzuki Program is open to children four and five years of age who have not begun studying a stringed instrument.   Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis from our preschool waiting list, which is ordered according to application and age priority.   You may apply by printing out the application on this website and mailing it or by requesting a brochure and application from our office.   Enrollment is limited, so parents are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to return enrollment update forms promptly.

What are my responsibilities as a parent?

Each child and at least one parent must attend a half-hour class and short private lesson each week.   It is required that one parent accompany the child to every lesson and class, practice with the child, and see that the child listens to the Suzuki recordings. Parents must learn to play the instrument a little themselves in class.

Parents should also:

  • Read Nurtured By Love by Shinichi Suzuki.
  • Purchase Suzuki Book I and its accompanying recording for the appropriate instrument.
  • Rent an instrument from a local music store after the child has been measured by the teacher. The Great Hills PAC does not have any instruments available.

Suzuki Violin for School Age Students

The Suzuki program for school-age children at the Great Hills Performing Arts Center consists of a weekly private lesson and a group class for students. These classes include music theory, instrumental technique and repertoire, chamber music, and master classes. All classes are held on the Great Hills campus. Lessons are thirty minutes to one hour in length, depending upon the age and advancement of each student.

Eligibility

The Suzuki Program for school-age children at Great Hills is designed for students in grades 1-12 living within commuting distance of the campus.   You may apply by printing out the application on this website and returning it, or requesting a brochure and application from our office.   Once your application is received, your name will be kept in our database until testing dates are scheduled.   Auditions and aptitude tests take place in late summer, usually near the end of August.   Students who have already studied a stringed instrument will have an audition.  Students without previous study will be scheduled for an informal aptitude test, which requires no previous musical experience or preparation.

What are my responsibilities as a parent?

When a child is accepted into the Suzuki program at Great Hills, his parents must see that he attends classes regularly, practices daily, completes written and listening assignments, and is exposed to activities that encourage and enforce musical interest.   In the case of younger children, parents will attend lessons and supervise home practice.

Suzuki Calendar

The Suzuki calendar follows the public school calendar in Austin and the surrounding area.   Lessons begin and end in conjunction with the public school schedule.   Every student will have a private and group lesson each week.   The specific time for the private lesson and group lesson will be determined in conference with the instructor.

Suzuki Costs

Tuition for the Year
Private 20 minute lessons @ $17.00 per lesson
Private 30 minute lessons @ $25.00 per lesson
Private 45 minute lessons @ $38.00 per lesson
Private 60 minute lessons @ $50.00 per lesson

         10% Discount for second child
          Tuition can be paid monthly or in full.


Suzuki Lesson Materials
Parents are expected to purchase the Suzuki book appropriate for their student and the recording that accompanies that book.   Your instructor will provide information on where to purchase the book and recording.

Instrument Rentals
The Suzuki program at Great Hills does not have instruments available for rental.   Every student must have their own instrument.  Parents are responsible for the rental or purchase of an instrument for each of their students.   Rental is recommended.   The following is a list of music stores in the Austin area that provide Suzuki rental instruments:

The Blackerby Violin Shop - 469-9343
Initial fee: $25
Monthly fee: $20
Insurance plan: $3/month


Westbank String Shop - 326-4898
Monthly fee: $25.50 + tax
Insurance plan: $2/month


Violins Etc. - 452-5617 or 1-800-561-5820
Monthly: $17-50


Austin Strings - 918-1863
Monthly: $15


Craig’s Violins - 797-9155

Initial fee: $20

Monthly: $15


Strait Music - 918-3743

Monthly (new): $35

Monthly (used): $25

 
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