Classes are open to all students who are currently studying the Suzuki piano, violin, viola, cello or bass literature with a Suzuki instructor, Twinkle through the advanced level.  Semi-private lessons, small and large group classes, recitals, and enrichment classes meet daily.  Parents who feel their 3-5 year old students (Twinkle through mid-Book One) cannot make it through a full day of classes may register for a half-day, morning only (3 classes per day).

An adult must accompany students at all times during the Institute. Many families team together to share the responsibilities during the week.  Childcare is not available at the Institute.  Local students age 12 or older may attend without an adult.

Student Curriculum (Semi-Private Lessons and Group Classes)

These classes are designed to reinforce the education received by both the studio teacher and the parent.  Students should be prepared to play a polished piece for the first semi-private lesson on Monday.  For the group class, pieces will be chosen from the repertoire list included in your registration packet.

Musicianship Classes

- Beginning Orchestra (string students only)

Students must have some reading skills but do not need any previous orchestral experience.

- Intermediate Orchestra (string students only)

Violin students must be in at least Suzuki Book Three.   Viola, cello and bass students must be in at least Suzuki Book Two.  All players must be able to read in first position in the keys of C, G, & D.  Any violinist who also plays viola should note this on their registration form.

- Advanced Orchestra (string students only)

Students must be in the 4th grade or above.  Violin students must be in at least Suzuki Book Four.  Viola, cello and bass students must be in at least Suzuki Book Three.  All string players must be able to play two octave scales in all major keys.  Any violinist who also plays viola should note this on their registration form.

- Chamber Music

Violin students must be in at least Suzuki Book Four.  Piano, viola, cello and bass students must be in at least Suzuki Book Three.  Students must have advanced reading skills and the recommendation of their private teacher.  This class will replace a technique class in the student's schedule.

- Improvisation and Composition (piano students only)

In this class, J.B. Taylor will teach Suzuki pianists how to improvise and compose using a set palette of familiar notes and rhythms.  Students will learn compositional techniques that include repetition, question and answer phrasing, and simple form construction.  All students will have an opportunity to improvise in collaboration with the teacher and to play (or have other students play) their original compositions.

This class is best suited for students with a basic understanding of notes, scales, and basic rhythms.  Students will be expected to read and write single melody lines in both treble and bass clefs.

- Music History:  Pre-Bach to Rock!

Students will go on a whirlwind trip through time exploring music past and present.  Open to all students ages 8 and up.

- Music Theory Games

Students will be introduced to note names, rhythms, and musical terms through fun and exciting music theory games.

Enrichment Classes

- Art

Students will create projects exploring different techniques and materials.

- Conducting (ages 8 and up)

Open to all students of all instruments.  Note-reading is not required.  Students will learn conducting techniques using the Suzuki repertoire.  Class will be led by Robert Hauck.

- Family Chorus

The Family Chorus will perform fun, energetic choral selections with an emphasis on entertainment and participation.  Chorus will be led by Robert Hauck.

- Fiddle Class (Strings Book Two and up)

Fiddler Steven Bowman will lead students on an exploration of many different styles of fiddling and introduce students to improvisation.

- Orff Class

Students will be introduced to Orff instruments and experience music, which will help develop style and sense of musical pulse.

- World Drumming (Ages 7 and up)

Memphis Symphony percussionist, Ed Murray, will introduce students to the music and drumming techniques of different cultures using a variety of percussion instruments.

Sibling Enrichments

Siblings, ages 5 and older, who wish to participate in enrichment classes, may register for Art, Family Chorus, Orff, and World Drumming classes at a fee of $65 per child/per subject.  Indicate enrollment on the registration form.

Student Daily Schedule (Subject to change)

Concerto Night (Thursday, June 13 at 7:00 pm)

This special evening program features selected Suzuki Institute students performing solos accompanied by the faculty string orchestra.  Students wishing to perform must submit a video recording of a polished performance of any of the pieces listed below.  Because a maximum of 12 students will be selected based upon audition, no submissions will be considered if received after May 6.  Registration payment must accompany audition materials.

Choose only one piece from the list below.

Honors Recitals (Monday, June 10; Wednesday, June 12, Thursday, June 13,  1:00 pm each day)

These special recitals will feature selected students enrolled in the Institute.  Students wishing to perform must submit a video recording of a polished performance of a Suzuki piece or supplemental piece (pieces not included in the Suzuki repertoire).  An accompanist will be provided for the recital.  If selected, please provide piano accompaniments for supplemental string pieces.  Please limit selections to 5 minutes.  Because a maximum of 45 students will be selected based upon audition, no submissions will be considered if received after May 6.  Registration payment must accompany audition materials.

Audition recordings should be mailed to:

Memphis Suzuki Institute
Community Music School
3775 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38152

AUDITION RECORDINGS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 6. NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE WILL BE SENT BY MAY 20.