Suzuki Programs

Teri Einfeldt, Suzuki Department chair

The Hartt Suzuki program is one of the most respected of its kind in the country. We offer instruction in violin, viola, violoncello, and guitar for children as young as age four. Suzuki piano and flute lessons begin at age five and bass instruction is available starting at age seven (dependent on the size of the student). As in the traditional method of instruction, students are given weekly private lessons with one of our faculty members. However, Suzuki students also attend group classes to further develop their musical skills.

In addition to those weekly lessons and group classes, the Suzuki String program offers orchestras at various levels by teacher recommendation or by audition depending upon the level of the child. For interested students, the Hartt Suzuki Institute is held each year in August, attracting students from across the country to study with nationally respected guest faculty.

About the Suzuki Method

The Suzuki or "mother tongue" method of music education is now a well-established pedagogical technique. Shinichi Suzuki, a western-trained professional violinist, developed the system in order to give musical instruction to the children of postwar Japan. Under the Suzuki method, listening to music is as vital as practicing performance techniques. Children study a repertory comprising European folk songs, baroque dances, and other standard works. They listen daily to recordings of such pieces while learning the skills necessary to perform on their instruments.

The Suzuki Program requires active participation of a parent. This includes mandatory attendance at all lessons and group classes and willingness to serve as the child's at-home teacher (under the guidance of your instructor). Students are expected to practice daily at home with their parents. A positive musical experience shared between parent and child is central to the Suzuki philosophy.

Observation:

Interested parents and potential Suzuki String & Piano students & parents must observe a series of 5 lessons and 1 group class prior to being placed on the waiting list.

To download the 2009 Fall Suzuki Observation Packet for ALL INSTRUMENTS, CLICK HERE. To request a packet be mailed to you, contact our office at 860-768-4451.

Please note that the tuition rates for Suzuki instruction are different from the traditional rates.