OUR PROGRAM
What We Offer
OVERVIEW
Our program offers group class and private lesson for both violin and cello. Students are required to take both as they are an integral part of the Suzuki philosophy and a core feature in developing skills and creating a strong sense of community through the connection of music.
We accept students as young as three years old. A child is never to old to begin, so they can start at any age. We also pride ourselves in offering lessons to adults. Whether you are a beginner or studied in the past and would like to pick it up again, we have a place for you.
Parental involvement is a key component to our program. Parents are required to attend the private lessons and group classes. Your role is to take note and help to facilitate the practice at home. No prior knowledge on the instrument or in music is required. Your teacher will equip you with everything you need to know.
Our school year runs from September to June. Group classes do not occur throughout the summer. Private lessons through the summer are optional and are based on both your own and your teachers schedules.
GROUP CLASSES
Our group classes run on a bi-weekly schedule on Sunday afternoons between 2-5. Times may vary depending on which class you are in.
They take place at the Hippo Nursery School, located at 729 St Clair Ave W. (Rushton and St. Clair, just west of Christie St.)
Students will be placed in a class appropriate to their age and level. The content of the class will consist of similar exercises and skills and pieces being learned in private lessons. Students will have the opportunity to review skills learn new ideas and become inspired by being around other students.
As a student become more advanced they are placed in a reading ensemble, which is meant to develop their reading skills, broaden their scope of repertoire and sharpen their ability to playing with others at a higher level.
We also offer theory and improvisation classes. Our theory range from beginner and up. They learn basic concepts through working through a work book that’s both age and level appropriate.
Improvisation is based our the Creative Ability Development method developed by Alice Kay Kanack. This method harnesses the Suzuki philosophy in that every child can be creative. To learn more about this method please visit https://creativeabilitydevelopment.com.
Our parents are an integral part of our community. Our program thrives off of the help and support that they offer.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Our private lessons occur once a week from September to June, not including holidays. They range from thirty minutes to an hour in length, depending on what is best suited to the child.
Before beginning private lessons we require a minimum of 2 observations of another students lesson. This allows you to get a sense of what to expect from lessons and a chance to meet the teacher and get a sense of who they are and how they teach.
Private lessons are managed directly with your private teacher, therefore you would organize a time and date that would work best. Location is also dependant on where your teacher is situated.
Please visit our team page to get to know our teachers. To set up an observation please call 416-720-8178 or email info@torontosuzuki.org
RECITALS AND GROUP CONCERTS
We also provide students with the opportunity to perform.
Our solo recitals happen three time in the year- December, March and June. Students perform a solo accompanied by a pianist. They take place at St. Matthew’s United Church 729 St Clair Ave W.
Students also perform with their group classes and ensembles. We love to share our music with the community by playing concerts in retirement homes and community spaces. We are regular perming guests at Bracondale house, and have recently made our debut in the atrium of Toronto Western Hospital.
At the end of the year the hard work and pieces we worked on in our group classes culminates in our big group class concert, which takes place in June in the sanctuary of St. Matthews United church.