Enrichment Classes

(Each student is provided one enrichment class as part of the core curriculum covered tuition.)

Choosing Your Enrichment Class:
On the Enrollment Form indicate your four (4) top choices for your Enrichment Class and rank them in order of preference. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that your child will receive one of their top four choices but we try hard to give everyone one of their top four choices. Parents, please check with your student regarding their preferred enrichment options before submitting.  There is a $25 fee for changing enrichment choices and some class changes may not be possible!

Assignment of Enrichment Class
Each student’s schedule is developed with priority to his or her core instrument and musicianship classes. The enrichment class is then assigned, matching the highest ranked choice that best fits the student’s schedule. Placement in an enrichment class also takes into account student’s age and study level.

Non-Suzuki Siblings can enroll in enrichment classes on a space available basis. After you have registered for the Institute we will email you a form with which you may register your non-Suzuki siblings for up to three enrichment classes at $150 per class.

Refunds or Discounts:
Refunds or discounts are NOT provided to students who rank fewer than four (4) options and cannot be matched with an enrichment class. Similarly, refunds or discounts are NOT provided to students who choose not to enroll in an enrichment class.

Enrichment classes open to ALL instruments

Let’s Sing: Choir

Come and join the Suzuki Choir…learn new songs, meet new friends and have a fantastic time!  Everyone welcome! This fun and energetic class will help students understand and utilize their primary instrument, their own voice!  Students will learn how to comfortably use their voice for musical expression through vocalizations, songs, part-singing, movement, and games in a fun, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere. All children should have the opportunity to use their singing voice in a musically expressive way, no matter what instrument they play!

Open to students age 4 and up.

 

Dalcroze Eurhythmics

 

Emma Shubin teaches this dynamic class where students in bare feet are moving to music! These active classes will focus primarily on rhythm, but will also include aspects of pitch and phrasing.

Open to students age 4 and up; grouped by age.

 

 

Acting classes:

Storybook Theatre: In this unique combination of storytelling and experimental theatre, children will get to act out some of their favorite scenes from some of the most beloved children’s books. (3-6 yrs.)

Theatre 101:  This is a great class for the want-to-be actor! We will introduce the world of acting through warm-up exercises, drama games, short skits, and improv! (7-11 yrs.)

Theatre 201:  This class will give students an opportunity to experience monologues, small group improvisations, drama games, mini-scripts and audition techniques.  A great class for the want-to-be actor! (12-18)

Open to students age 3 and up; grouped by age.

 

Multi-Level Guitar Ensemble

This class is for students looking for an enjoyable ensemble experience. The class will involve ensemble arrangements that allow students of wide playing abilities to perform together. The term “multi-level” means that each of these arrangements have challenges for players of all levels, from the “Pre Twinkle” level to the more advanced readers.  Ensemble arrangements will be drawn from folk, jazz, and classical repertoire. Materials Needed – All participants must provide their own guitar for the class.  Parents are welcome to join in if they have an instrument!

Open to students age 4 and up; grouped by age.

 

 

 

 

Voice classes:

Group Voice Class 1: 8-11 yrs. Want to learn how to sing and use your voice?  This class is for you! Come and join in learning to use your voice, how to use your breath for singing and to have fun!! You will learn several songs together and have fun! Come and sing with your friends!!

Group Voice Class 2: 12-18 yrs.  Have you always wanted to learn to sing!  Then this class is for you.  Learn songs and how to use your voice and have fun with your friends!  Learn several group songs as well as solos.

Open to students age 8 and up; grouped by age.

 

Cello Only Enrichment Classes

Irish Cello

 

Scott Walker teaches this exciting class to cello students. In this class, students will explore the lyrical folk tunes of Irish music and will get to perform together at the end of the week.

Open to cello students age 9 and up, in Book 3 and up.

 

 

CelloRock!

CelloRock! is a class for students looking for new ways to expand their musical knowledge and apply their technical skills to the cello in different ways. Learn how to play a standard rock bass line, improv a little, and collaborate on a chosen rock, pop, or jazz tune. Students in this class will receive their music ahead of time and should come to the Institute familiar with their music.

Open to students 12 and up, in Book 6 and up.

 

 

Cello Choir

Learn to play together and blend your cello tone in Cello Choir. Cellists will read score arrangements for multiple parts and develop ensemble skills in a unique way. This class is an opportunity to play classical repertoire as a cello ensemble.  Students in this class will receive their music ahead of time and should come to the Institute familiar with their music.

Open to students Book 3 and up with good note reading proficiency. 

 

Guitar Only Enrichment Classes

From Bach to Rock Guitar Styles

The diversity of the guitar is what makes it one of the most popular instruments in the world!

In this course with Christopher Becknell, students will learn more about the styles used in various genres of guitar playing outside of Classical including Folk, Rock, Jazz, and Blues. Students will have fun learning skills fundamental to performing professionally as guitar players in these different styles. They will explore how to read and use TAB, the way popular songs are constructed, and why different types of guitars are used for different genres.

Open to guitar students in Book 4 and up.

 

Piano Only Enrichment Classes

Improv for Piano Artistry

In this class pianists will explore improvisation that is focused on developing artistry, musicianship and creativity! Inspired by skills for improvisation used in Dalcroze classes (where the teacher improvises music for movement and teaching a variety of musical subjects), we will explore meter, phrase/form, metric transformation, nuance, and dynamics. We will also explore improvisation centered around folk and jazz melodies as well as improvisation that is non jazz oriented, composition skills, & how to make our daily practice and repertoire more exciting, enjoyable and inviting.

Open to piano students age 8-12 years.

 

 Piano Accompanying Class

 

Playing with other people is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a musician! Being a strong solo pianist and a strong collaborative pianist require different training. In this course, our piano faculty will help each student develop their piano accompaniment skills.

Students are expected to have prepared the music with complete fluency by the beginning of institute. Class size is very limited. Solo instrumentalists will be provided.

Open to all ages. See below for playing requirements.

Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Books for each Level:

 

Violin Only Enrichment Classes

Fun with Fiddling

Learn a few approachable & infectious old-time fiddle tunes with Scott Walker in a fun, relaxed environment. Students will get to play their tunes at the CSI square dance! Having a minimum playing level of Book 2 guarantees that every fiddle student has the intonation, left-hand dexterity, and bow control necessary to learn and play these arrangements, and to do so aurally.

Open to violin students in Books 2 or 3.

 

 

Square Dance Fiddle

Join Scott Walker for a hilarious exploration of old-time square dance fiddling. Scott will teach a handful of traditional Appalachian tunes with the infectious rhythm & powerful bowing that define the style. Students will learn each tune by ear, honing their musical memory. We will play the fiddle tunes they learn at the CSI square dance!

Open to violin students in Book 4 and up.

 

 

 

Irish Fiddle

Learning to play Irish fiddle is at once a daunting task, and an exciting adventure; a journey into a rich and exciting culture! Irish music has had a huge and long-standing influence on traditional music all over the world. In this class with Scott Walker, students will concentrate on learning and performing a variety of Irish tune forms including jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and waltzes. We will work on techniques that make a tune sound Irish, and consequently, a violin to sound like a fiddle.

Open to violin students in Book 3 and up.

 

Swing Fiddle

Just about every country and civilization has had a love affair with the violin. Used in the traditional music of China, India, Africa, South America, Mexico, it also traveled to the great state of Texas. Appearing in the 20’s and 30’s,  “Texas Swing” takes its influences from Ragtime, Blues, Folk, Dixieland, and Jazz. With Scott Walker, you will learn tunes made popular by such artists as Bennie Thompson, Bob Wills, and Johnny Gimble. Style is everything in this music, and we will start to swing where the notes should be swung, and delve into some of the secrets and tricks of improvisation!

Open to violin students in Book 4 and up.

 

Viola for Violinists

Kirby Kay will guide violinists who want to learn to play the viola and to read alto clef using Suzuki and supplementary viola literature!  You will be notified by email by May 20 if you are scheduled for this enrichment so that you can bring an appropriate sized viola. Some violas are available as rentals from Robertson & Sons. See Instrument Rentals and Repairs to reserve a viola for this class.

Minimum playing level of Violin Book 3; grouped by Suzuki book level.