Student PRogram
The Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas provides a stimulating environment for the study of music. Students build an
excellent musical foundation through individual lessons and group classes.
We currently offer instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp, and Piano. For more information on these instruments, please click below.
excellent musical foundation through individual lessons and group classes.
We currently offer instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello, Harp, and Piano. For more information on these instruments, please click below.
Suzuki music education, a holistic and inclusive method, encourages and enables the parent to spend time with their child, communicating and thinking with creativity, clarity and precision while having fun during the learning process.
The Teacher-Parent-Child triangle is a cornerstone of the Suzuki method and is essential for the mother-tongue approach. With no previous musical education necessary, the parent’s role of attending lessons and practicing daily with the child creates a strong bond between parent and child while fostering communication, creativity and fun. Teachers guide a student’s musical and technical development during the lesson while helping the parent understand how to reinforce the child’s progress during home practice. Students participate fully in their lessons and home practice, communicating with both their parent and teacher to ensure they are fully supported in their efforts.
In addition to musical skills, Suzuki students develop important character traits including perseverance, discipline, flexibility, ability to both lead and follow others and the ability to enjoy challenges.
Students gain self-esteem and confidence through setting achievable goals and celebrating their success with parents, teachers and the school community.
Every student has two classes per week:
- one private lesson
- one group class
Please read through our Attendance Policy
Group Lessons: Group classes are organized by instrument, and level. These classes enhance the learning process, reinforce the private lesson and broaden the student’s musical expression. They are important for student’s motivation and provide a wonderful social element to instrument study.
Tuition includes 38 weeks of private lessons and 33 weeks of group class.
Ensembles: String orchestras, chamber groups and groups for special events create a learning environment for the development of ensemble skills.
Performance Opportunities
1) Achievement Week: The purpose of Achievement Week is to celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of the students, families, and faculty at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas. In addition, it provides an opportunity for the faculty to observe each other’s work and to evaluate their collective effectiveness in providing an excellent musical education for all students enrolled.This experience is a unique performance opportunity for all our students. Each participating faculty member will write comments, which will later be shared with the private teacher, parent, and student. Comments from the faculty will include positive aspects as well as helpful suggestions for the performer. At the completion of Achievement Week, each performer will receive a certificate of participation.
2) The Strings Workshop is offered every other year. At our past workshops we have offered the following:
- Master Classes with Superior Suzuki Instructors from all over the United States
- Group Classes: Children learn from and are motivated by each other.
- Improvisation: Improvisation classes are designed for students Book 2 and above and are designed to enhance creativity and joy in developing a unique voice and sound on the students.
3) Piano Workshop
This workshop will be in master class format. During a master class each student performs a polished piece for the teacher and the other students in the class. The teacher then gives advice on tone, phrasing and other musical and technical aspects of the piece.
The student should perform a polished piece so that the teacher can focus on these aspects. The observing students will also benefit from the teacher’s suggestions and from watching other students perform. All students must stay for their assigned hour and are also encouraged to observe other master classes.
Children are scheduled in 1 hour time blocks:
- Level 1: Twinklers – Book 1, 10 minutes each
- Level 2: Book 2 – Book 3, 20 minutes each
- Level 3: Book 4 & Up, 30 minutes each
4) Trophy Festival
The Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas is proud to host the North Texas Suzuki Association’s annual Trophy Festival. Over 300 students participated in last year’s event! This event’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to perform for a clinician/adjudicator and receive positive comments or suggestions as well as a trophy – tangible evidence of their effort and accomplishments. This event serves as a terrific readiness for elementary students who will later perform in Solo/Ensemble Festivals and take Region and Youth Orchestra Auditions; it is also perfect for more advanced or older students who need additional performing experience in a low pressure and supportive environment. Proceeds from the Trophy Festival largely fund the NTSA’s Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for outstanding students to attend summer Suzuki Institutes.
5) Outreach Concerts
Every so often, we have wonderful opportunities to reach out and give back to our communities. Past performances have been at senior centers, retirement homes, fundraising events for other non-profit organizations and Whole Foods. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to play in the communities that we represent. Outreach performances can occur during the day, on the weekends, or in the evenings during the week. It depends on the location and the type of outreach concert we are attending.