Contact Us:
info@coloradosuzuki.org or (303) 476-4330
Colorado Institute of Music
3440 Youngfield St. #111
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
History of the Colorado Suzuki Institute
The Colorado Suzuki Institute has a rich tradition as well as an exciting new outlook! Since 1994, when the institute first moved from Denver to the mountains, things have certainly changed. After 12 years in Beaver Creek, CSI had a brief move to Copper Mounain before returning “home” to Beaver Creek in 2021. We expect to bring together over 300 students and faculty representing multipule countries from around the world for a week of musical experiences in the incomparable Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Since 1995 our scholarship fund has made it possible for more than 400 teachers and students to share this Colorado music experience. In 1999 the Colorado Suzuki Institute started “traveling” in the form of donated instruments and music going out to the far corners of the world through our Viva Suzuki program. Besides all of this, over the last 25 years, the Rocky Mountains have echoed with literally thousands of twinkles.
Former director Gail Seay retired in June, 2017. After a brief transitional period, the Colorado Suzuki Institute is now headed by executive directors Mark Biesterfeld and Leah Creek Biesterfeld.
Our Mission & Core Values
Mission: Colorado Institute of Music is dedicated to unlocking the transformative power of music education in young students’ lives. Whether each child becomes a professional musician or simply enjoys a lifetime of music making, the lessons learned from disciplined practice, friendly collaboration, and brave performance opportunities transform the lives of hundreds of young people each year. At times rigorous musical training and at other times fun, family music camp CIM helps to fill the gap left by the decline of public school music opportunities. At CIM we provide a nurturing and inspirational environment where students can become the very best version of themselves within a supportive community of families who value music. Combining music and nature in the mountains of Colorado, young musicians develop a strong sense of self and develop a love of music and a respect for those who create it.
Core Values: Following the philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki, violinist, educator, and humanitarian, we believe that any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited. Our goal is not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character through the study of music.