Suzuki Lessons
Violin, Piano, Guitar
Note for summer: Private lessons for continuing Suzuki students are available in summer with some teachers. New students interested in starting Suzuki lessons in summer should contact the office. There are no Suzuki group lessons in summer.
About the Suzuki Approach
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, guitar, and cello. Students receive 14 private and 7 group (violin, cello, 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 may begin Suzuki lessons at about age four and generally begin lessons in the 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. Call the office to request this.
Parents can learn more about the Suzuki approach at an open house, date and time TBA.
Parents of New Suzuki Students
At the beginning of the fall semester, on September dates TBA, parents of all new Suzuki students attend two parent-only orientation sessions with Suzuki violin director Ann Montzka-Smelser. Learn more about the Suzuki philosophy, discuss the best ways to work with your child, and learn what to do during your child’s lessons. Following these sessions, private lessons begin. The sessions are at 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Room 200, Music Building.
Private Lessons
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. A practice planner may be used so that all assignments can be worked on at home for optimal progress. 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 are essential to the Suzuki approach. This is a time for parents and students to interact musically and socially while working on repertoire, technique, reading, theory, music history, and ensemble skills. Fees include the cost of both private and group lessons, and, for violin and cello, the cost of piano accompanists’ fees at group lessons and recitals. Attendance at group lessons is required for both parent and child.
Group Lesson Schedule
Guitar
Groups meet on seven Thursdays. Every child receives an hour of instruction, either 5 – 5:55 p.m. or 6 – 6:55 p.m. A schedule is available from the teacher the week before the first group lesson.
Fall: TBA
Spring: TBA
Violin
Groups meet on Thursdays. Every child receives an hour of instruction, either 5 – 5:55 p.m. or 6 – 6:55 p.m. A schedule is available from teachers the week before the first group lesson.
Fall: TBA
Spring: TBA
Piano
Groups meet on four Mondays in Room 103, Music Building, or the Recital Hall. Every child receives an hour of instruction, either 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. or 5 – 6 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 with Marilyn Montzka.
5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Recital Time for all students. Room 103 or RH.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Activities for students in Books 1 and 2 with Susan Breitner-Hurm
Fall: TBA
Spring: TBA
Suzuki Violin Recital
Fall: TBA., Recital Hall
Suzuki Violin Group and Graduation Concert
Spring: TBA., Concert Hall
Learn more about the new system for NIU Suzuki Violin Graduation.
Suzuki Violin Solo Recital
TBA, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Recital Hall
Suzuki Piano Recitals
Fall: TBA, Recital Hall
Spring: TBA., Recital Hall
Suzuki and Traditional Guitar Recitals
Fall: TBA. Recital Hall
Spring: TBA, Recital Hall
Suzuki Workshop on November 3, 2012
Mark your calendar for this year’s wonderful enrichment workshop, open to all Suzuki students and their parents. The clinician line-up for 2012 includes Susan Reed, Scott Conklin, Oscar Soler, and Laura Knight. Don’t miss this great event! This workshop is free for all students enrolled in the NIU Suzuki programs and to guitar students who attend The Music Academy in Rockford. In 2013, the Music Academy has invited our Suzuki piano students to participate in group activities and master classes at the January 19 workshop in Rockford for free. Students enrolled in other Suzuki programs are welcome to register for the November 3 event for a small fee. The registration deadline for CSA and Rockford students is TBA. Guest students and teachers from other programs must register by TBA. Click here for information and a registration form.
A note about lesson/group fees listed below: These are 2011/2012 fees and will increase slightly in 2012/2013.