STRINGS
The String Department prepares students to achieve technical proficiency on their instruments. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the following learning sequence: balanced posture, beautiful tone production, accurate intonation, musicianship skills and learning a sequential body of repertoire.
Violin, Viola, Cello--The Suzuki Program
The Conservatory's string curriculum for violin, viola and cello is based on the Talent Education method developed by Shinichi Suzuki. All students follow the Suzuki curriculum, which includes weekly individual lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes and a weekly group class on Monday nights. Parents are a key component to the success of the Suzuki method and their presence in lessons and group classes is strongly encouraged. Through the Suzuki method, students may begin instruction as young as age 5.
Parents are invited to attend Suzuki Parent Classes to share ideas and receive information on how best to support young strings students in their instrumental studies. Parent classes meet in Room 102 from 6:00 to 6:30 on January 11, February 1, March 1 and May 3. Parents, you are also invited to join the Suzuki Association of America's parent discussion board.
Group classes for violin and viola students meet Monday evenings between 6:00 and 8:00. Group classes for cello students meet Monday evenings between 5:30 and 7:00. Please click here to see the schedule of Group Classes.
String Bass
Individual lessons are available in 30, 45 or 60 minute lengths, depending on student need and teacher recommendation.
Cello Orchestra
Students and adults playing at a level of Suzuki Book 5 and above may participate in the Conservatory's cello orchestra which is offered in partnership with the National Cello Institute. This ensemble meets on Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.
Achievement Week
Towards the conclusion of each school year, all non-adult students enrolled in private instrumental study will participate in a juried performance evaluation. This jury offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their progress over the past year, and to receive feedback from a faculty panel. Departmental juries take place over the course of one week, and are scheduled in lieu of a lesson.
Recitals
All Suzuki string students are required to participate in String Department solo recitals and in Suzuki group concerts.
Additionally, the Conservatory regularly hosts student recitals throughout the school year. Students are recommended for these performances by their individual instructors.
Fees
Quarterly tuition for violin, viola, cello (includes a weekly individual lesson and a weekly group class):
30 minute lessons $558
45 minute lessons $708
60 minute lessons $888
Quarterly tuition for 5 and 6-year-olds enrolled in violin or viola (includes a weekly individual lesson and weekly YM Pre-twinkle classes)
30 minute lessons $642
45 minute lessons $792
60 minute lessons $972
Quarterly tuition for double bass:
30 minute lessons $450
45 minute lessons $600
60 minute lessons $780
Cello Orchestra $180
Cello Suzuki Class $180
