Prospective Students
What does Suzuki on the Island look like for your child?
I. Private Lessons
One-on-one Learning: individualized weekly attention that helps establish excellent technique and music making from the start
II. Group Classes
III. Performances
Instruments Taught at SOTI
Violin, Viola and Cello
Students interested in learning violin, viola and cello can start taking lessons as early as three or four years of age. These instruments are fit-to-size, and are proportional to the child’s arm length. Eventually as the child grows, the instrument is traded in for a larger size. Violin, viola and cello lessons are taught using elements of the Suzuki Method that are integrated with supplementary technical studies (i.e. I Can Read Music, Wolfhart, and Mazas). Over time, and once a solid foundation on the instrument is established, many of our students are well equipped to take on more advanced etudes, solo works by J.S. Bach, and major concerti in the repertoire.
Piano
The piano is a foundational instrument that students can begin learning around 4 or 5 years old. Piano lessons are taught through the lens of the Suzuki method, with support from additional studies that enhance the student’s ear training skills and technical facility (i.e. Burgmüller Studies, John Thompson Methods, Little Mozarts, and Czerny Etudes). To assist in recital preparation, SOTI piano teachers periodically hold studio classes that give students the opportunity to practice performing in a nurturing environment.
Types of Classes Offered at SOTI
Private Lessons
Weekly one-on-one lessons that emphasize repertoire, technique building, and performance preparation.
Group Classes
Weekly ensemble-based classes that strengthen group performance skills and are required for all violin, viola and cello students in addition to private lessons.
Pre-Twinkle Classes – Starting in Spring 2024
SOTI’s “Pre-Twinkle” class is a dynamic and exciting introductory course designed for 3 and young 4 year olds. It offers hands-on instruction on each of the instruments offered at our school (violin, viola, cello and piano). The children and their parents get a chance to learn the Suzuki basics, including terminology, rhythm and proper positions, and gain an understanding of what makes each of these instruments so unique and wonderful! Each of our teachers spend several weeks at a time introducing their respective instruments and allowing each of the children to hold and play some basic pieces on each instrument. By the end of the class our pre-twinklers are well-positioned to choose the best instrument and teacher for themselves (with a valuable head start). They often go on to participate in our program for many years to come. These classes will begin in the Spring of 2024. Please fill out our Prospective Student Form so that we can reach out to you for Spring 2024 enrollment.
Additional Information:
Private Lesson and Group Class Times: Lessons are offered between 2:00pm–9:00pm, Monday through Thursday.
Observing Lessons: We strongly recommend observing a private and/or group lesson prior to enrolling at Suzuki on the Island in order for your family to learn about the lesson process, to meet the teacher(s), and to see/hear the instrument you are considering learning. If you would like to observe more than one instrument, you are welcome to do so. This often helps both the parent and child decide which instrument is best!
Sample Lessons: We strongly suggest prospective students to take a trial lesson to experience a hands-on lesson with the instrument, meet the teacher, and become familiar with the program.
Scholarship Information: Contact SOTI’s director Ani Gregorian Resnick for more information at [email protected].
Interested in Signing Up?
For more information on enrollment, please contact us here, and someone on our administrative team will reach out in 1-2 business days.