Suzuki Instruction

Ages 3 to 12

Developed by Japanese music educator Shinichi Suzuki, this instrument learning method is designed to teach children as young as three. Sherwood's comprehensive program offers Suzuki instruction on seven instruments.

  Join our 'Sherwood Suzuki' Facebook group!

Download the Sherwood Suzuki Parent FAQ here.

Through the Suzuki method:

• Young children master basic musical skills, improve listening ability, and acquire physical comfort with their instrument and with performing.
• Intermediate and advanced students learn to read music, improve technical proficiency, and play skill-specific repertoire.
• The individual lesson and group-class format motivates children to excel in their musical studies and celebrate their accomplishments.

Enrolling in Suzuki Instruction
Suzuki Instruction follows an open enrollment policy, new enrollments in Suzuki Instruction are accepted at anytime throughout the year. To enroll in Suzuki Instruction, please download and read the Suzuki Parent FAQ document here. This document should answer many of your questions regarding Suzuki instruction at Sherwood.

Once the parent meets with the Suzuki Program Director as outlined in the document above, you will be directed to speak with our Student Services Manager to schedule a trial lesson at a mutually agreed upon day and time. The trial lesson is a single piad lesson ($40 fee) that allows the student (and parent) to meet the teacher to determine if the instructor is the right fit for the student, as well as recieve important feedback and, if needed, level assessment from the instructor. Once the trial lesson is completed, you may enroll for the remaining weeks in the term, or request another trial lesson with a different instructor.

Suzuki Individual Lessons and Group Classes
Age 3: Violin, Viola, Cello (at instructor’s discretion).
Age 4 and older: Piano, Guitar, Flute, Harp
Important Note: New Suzuki string students must enroll in the Preparatory String Program outlined below.

30-minute lesson and group class: $867 / term
45-minute lesson and group class: $1054 / term
60-minute lesson and group class: $1309 / term

* Suzuki Instruction is for 17 weeks of individual lessons and 16 week of group classes.
* Individual lessons begin the week of Sept. 6. Group classes begin the week of Sept. 12.
* Group classes will be assigned by the teacher during the first week of fall term lessons according to student level.
* Click here to download a copy of the 2011 - 2012 academic calendar.
* Participation in Sherwood’s Suzuki program requires enrollment in individual lessons AND group class. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director and the head of the Suzuki Department.

Preparatory String Program

This program is designed to provide young violin, viola and cello students with a fundamentally sound music education that incorporates aural training, movement and rhythm training, note reading, technique classes, and ensembles in an age-appropriate setting. All new Suzuki string students are required to enroll in the Preparatory Program, and existing students are strongly encouraged to enroll. All classes occur on Saturday mornings between 8:30am and 12:30pm. (Individual lesson times may occur at any time throughout the week.)

Core Components include:

• Individual Lesson
• Performance Class
• Ensemble
• Group/Technique class
• Dalcroze, Singing, or Musicianship class

Download the Core Components Based on Student Level

Download the Fall 2011-2012 Preparatory String Program Schedule
(Please note that both documents above are subject to change)

Tuition: $75 + tuition for Suzuki Instruction (listed above) per term
Saturdays: 8:30am - 12:30pm (exact times depend on student level)

(Students interested in the Preparatory String Program who are currently taking private lessons outside of Sherwood may enroll in the program for an additional fee. Please call for details.)