Suzuki Program
CSA COVID-19 Update Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
We will be offering a variety of programs in person and online for the 2020-2021 school year. All in-person events will strictly adhere to the safety measures outlined by the University and the NIU School of Music. All participants must comply with these safety guidelines for CSA Events until further notice.
- CSA Student, Teacher and Ensemble Director Safety Protocols for In-Person Activities (PDF)
- Protecting the Pack
Due to the ever-changing nature of the COIVD-19 events, we have updated our refund policy. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the changes and contact us with questions prior to registration.
The Suzuki approach was created by Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese educator. He believed that children are able to excel in music when they learn it in the same, natural way they learned how to speak. Read more about the Suzuki method.
Our Suzuki program includes daily practice, private lessons and group lessons. As a parent, you'll attend lessons to observe and interact with other families. You'll also work with your child on daily practice and listening.
Children may begin Suzuki lessons at about age 4, usually in the fall semester. Before registering, we recommend that you observe a Suzuki lesson and that your child attend our early education class. Admission may also require a brief meeting with you, your child and the teacher to see if the program is a good fit. Contact us to request a meeting.
Parent Orientations 2020
At the beginning of the fall semester, you'll attend two orientation sessions. The sessions are open only to parents of children who will start lessons in the fall or who started the previous summer or spring.
Orientation will teach you how to work with your child and what to do during lessons.
Parent orientation meetings take place Sept. 17 and Oct. 1, and will be held digitally on Zoom. We will send out information about how to connect prior to the meetings.
Private Lessons
There are 14 lessons in the fall and spring semesters and six in the summer. The teacher will work with your child on listening skills, posture, rhythm and tone, while you watch and take notes. You may want to use a practice planner (PDF) to keep track of assignments.
Group Lessons 2020-2021
At these one-hour lessons, parents and students enjoy interacting while working on repertoire, technique, reading, theory, music history and ensemble skills. Group lessons take place in the fall and spring semesters. There are four group lessons for piano and seven for violin, cello and guitar.
Violin, Cello and Guitar Group Schedule
Groups meet Thursdays. Every student attends a group class for one hour between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
*Note: Suzuki Violin groups in the fall will be held online. If we are still at stage 4 with COVID-19 and numbers are low (and weather prediction is good) we will have two socially distanced outside group lessons in both the courtyard and the Lagoon side lawn of the music building on September 24 and October 8. Attendees must follow the NIU and CSA safety guidelines for in-person meetings.
- Fall: September 24, October 8 and 22, November 5 and 19, December 3 and 10.
- Spring: January 28, February 11 and 25, March 11, April 1, 15 and 29.
Piano Group Schedule
Groups meet Mondays in the Concert Hall. Every child receives an hour of instruction from 6 – 7 p.m.
- Fall: September 14, October 5, November 2, December 7
- Spring: January 25, February 15, March 15, April 19
Teachers
Teachers with a symbol are available to teach in-person lessons only. Teachers with a symbol are available to teach online lessons only. Teachers without a symbol can do both.
Piano
Violin
Ann Montzka Smelser
Laurie Rodriguez
Guitar
Cello
Your fee includes the cost of private and group lessons. For violin and cello students, the fee also includes the cost of piano accompanists at group lessons and recitals.
Fall Only/Spring Only
14 Private Lessons and Groups
| Level | 30 Min | 45 Min | 60 Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Violin/Guitar/Cello | $528 | $732 | $936 |
| Associate Piano | $478 | $682 | $886 |
| Faculty Violin | $622 | $873 | $1,124 |
Fall and Spring Semesters
28 Private Lessons and Groups
| Level | 30 Min | 45 Min | 60 Min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Violin/Guitar/Cello | $1,056 | $1,464 | $1,872 |
| Associate Piano | $956 | $1,364 | $1,772 |
| Faculty Violin | $1,244 | $1,746 | $2,248 |
Workshops and Events
Contact Us
College of Visual and Performing ArtsOffice of External Programs
Music Building 132
Kristin Sherman
815-753-1450
ksherman2@niu.edu
Online Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.(lunch from noon – 1 p.m.)
To protect the safety of our staff, students and families, we will operate remotely for the fall semester. Our staff will be available at their remote offices during normal NIU business hours and can be contacted via phone or email.
