The Suzuki approach is a concept of learning to play an instrument that was designed in the early 1900's by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Japanese educator and violin teacher. Teachers are trained specifically for this method. The community school offers lessons using the Suzuki approach on the violin, piano, and guitar. Students receive 14 private and 7 group (violin and guitar) or 4 group (piano) lessons each semester. Parents attend all private and group lessons and work with the child daily. For more information about the Suzuki approach at NIU, click here.
Our Suzuki teachers recommend that parents observe at least one Suzuki lesson and that children attend a semester of one of our early education classes before registering for Suzuki lessons. Children often begin Suzuki lessons at about age four, though there are exceptions. Generally, lessons begin in fall semester. Admission into the program may require a short meeting of the parent, child, and teacher to determine whether the program is right for the child.
Parents can learn more about the Suzuki approach at the CSA O'Rama on August 29. At 10:30, Ann Montzka-Smelser gives a parent chat in the Recital Hall.
Parents of New Suzuki Students
On September 17 and 24, parents of newly enrolled Suzuki students (violin, guitar, and piano), attend two parent-only orientation sessions with Suzuki violin director Ann Montzka-Smelser. Parents learn more about the Suzuki philosophy, discuss the best ways to work with their child, and learn what to do during their child’s lessons. Following these sessions, private lessons begin. The sessions are 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Room 200 MB and parents are expected to attend both.
The teacher, student, and parent meet each week for a private lesson. There are a total of 14 lessons each semester. During lessons, the teacher works on listening skills, posture, rhythm, and tone with the student, while the parent observes and takes notes. The parent works with the child on daily practice and listening throughout the week. Marilyn Montzka and Susan Breitner-Hurm teach Suzuki piano. Ann Montzka-Smelser, Karen Weckerly, and Laurie Rodriguez teach Suzuki violin. Eric Schroeder teaches Suzuki guitar.
Group Lessons
Essential to the Suzuki approach are group lessons, where students listen to one another play, interact musically, work on technique, play musical games, learn theory skills, and attend movement classes. Fees include the cost of both private and group lessons, and, for violin, the cost of piano accompanists’ fees at group lessons and recitals. Attendance at group lessons is required for both parent and child.
Violin and Guitar
Groups meet on Thursdays. Every child receives an hour of instruction, either 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. A schedule is available from teachers the week before the first group lesson.
Fall: September 24, October 8 and 22, November 5 and 19, December 3
Spring: February 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, April 1, 15, and 29, May 6
Piano - NEW SCHEDULE!
Groups meet on Mondays. Every child receives an hour of instruction, either 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. or 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. A schedule is available from teachers the week before the first group lesson.
4:30 – 5:00 p.m. Activities for students in Books 3 – up. Room 100. Marilyn Montzka
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Performances for all students. Room 103 or RH. Marilyn Montzka and Susan Breitner-Hurm
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Activities for students in Books 1 and 2. Room 103 or RH. Susan Breitner-Hurm
Fall: September 21, October 19, November 16, December 7
Spring: January 25, February 22, March 15, April 19
Recital Schedule
A schedule of all community school recitals is available.
Suzuki Violin Recitals
Fall: December 5, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., Recital Hall
Spring: May 8, 10 a.m., Concert Hall
Suzuki Piano Recitals
Fall: December 7, 5 p.m., Recital Hall
Spring: May 16, 5 p.m., Recital Hall
Suzuki and Traditional Guitar Recital, May 3, 6 p.m., Recital Hall
Mark your calendar for this year’s wonderful enrichment workshop, open to all Suzuki students and their parents. The clinician line-up includes violinists Gabe Bolkosky, Stan Smith, and Jackie Fisher, pianist Marilyn Anderson, and guitarist MaryLou Roberts. Special guest Sherry Jones leads a workshop on African drumming. Gabe Bolkosky performs at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this great event! This workshop is free for all students enrolled in the NIU Suzuki programs, as well as for guitar students of the Music Academy of Rockford College. Others are welcome to attend for a small fee. The flyer and registration form is now available. The registration deadline for CSA students is October 9 and for guest attendees from outside the NIU program is October 19. The schedule of events and group lists are now available.
The repertoire list for the workshop include:
All Book I (especially Twinkle Variations, May Song, Allegro, Perpetual Motion and Minuet II)
All of Book II (especially Musette, Hunter's Chorus, Bourree, Lully Gavotte and Minuet in G)
Book III: Martini Gavotte and Humoresque
Book IV: Seitz Concerto No.5, 1st mvt., J.S. Bach Concerto for Two Violins
Book V: Adagio (2nd mvt concerto in g minor), German Dance, J.S. Bach Concerto for Two Violins
Book VI: Handel Sonata No 3, 2nd mvt., Rameau Gavotte
Book VII: Corelli Allegro
Book VIII: Tambourine
Red group reading piece: Polish Dance by Severn
| Fall Only/Spring Only (14 Private Lessons and Group Lessons) |
Fall and Spring Semesters (28 Private Lessons and Group Lessons) | |||||
| Level |
30 Minutes |
45 Minutes |
60 Minutes |
30 Minutes |
45 Minutes |
60 Minutes |
| Apprentice II |
$302 |
$404 |
$506 |
$604 |
$808 |
$1,012 |
| Associate Violin/Guitar |
$430 |
$596 |
$762 |
$860 |
$1,192 |
$1,524 |
| Associate Piano |
$390 |
$556 |
$722 |
$780 |
$1,112 |
$1,444 |
| Faculty Violin | $510 | $715 | $922 | $1,020 | $1,432 | $1,844 |