Group classes motivate, strengthen, and build ensemble skills from an early age.

Purpose

Group classes are a great opportunity for students to learn, from a very young age, that ensemble playing is possible! One of the great joys of playing a stringed instrument is that we can be social with our instrument right away. This is not unique to violin, but is one of the great joys. By participating in group classes, possibly even before the bow touches the string, students are able to learn important ensemble skills. These include but are not limited to:

  • Following a leader

  • Listening to and taking instruction

  • Watching (especially important once a conductor is introduced for orchestra)

  • Listening to others while playing

  • Impacting a group

There are many intricacies to playing in a musical ensemble from bowing together to producing good tone as a group. Students who join group having never had it before are sometimes surprised by how different it feels to work in this way. Good group practices in early years lead to life-long ensemble skills and easy integration into orchestra, chamber music, and other ensembles.

Group is not meant to replace private lessons, but is rather an important addition. In private lessons students learn new skills and songs. In group classes students learn how to use those skills and songs together with others. New skills and pieces are rarely introduced during group, but may be introduced as the instructor sees fit. Please feel free to bring these back to private lessons for extra help!

Of course, one of the great things about group is the social aspect as well! Parents can find other parents experiencing the same joys of learning music (and struggles) and students can enjoy meeting other children like themselves studying music. Suzuki community is very important for long term success. Students should be having fun and getting to know each other through music. I hope that they become friends for many years!

I currently do not offer group classes. Through my network, there are a number of places my students are welcome for group class which I would be happy to discuss. I hope to be adding group classes to my studio in the near future.