Program Description

The daily schedule includes master classes and group classes for all levels from Suzuki Book 1 through advanced students arranged according to level and age. The program is designed with the understanding that parents will be involved, as they are at home, with lessons, practice, and the general supervision of their children.

A typical day at the Suzuki Institute may begin as early as 8:00 a.m. may and include:

• Master Class (A Class)

• Small Group Technique Class (B Class)

• Large Group Repertoire Class (C Class)

• Orchestra (students age 7 and older)

• Music Mind Games Class (students age 6 and younger)

• Advanced Repertoire Class

• Chamber Music (appropriate levels only)

• Fiddling

• Practice

• Recitals

Enrollment is open to students studying Suzuki violin, viola, or cello literature with a teacher who has done Suzuki teacher training.

Each student is asked to play a polished piece as a solo at the first meeting of the master class, an opportunity for the teacher and student to get acquainted musically. No matter what the level of current study, the student should select a piece from the repertoire that he or she has mastered.

Institute faculty members may recommend students for participation in the afternoon recital program. These students have the opportunity to rehearse with a professional pianist before performing on the institute recitals.

Class Descriptions

Master Class (A Class) – This is a group of 3 or 4 students and 1 teacher. The teacher will usually take part of each class to work individually with each student. All students are similar in age and ability.

Technique Class (B Class) – This is a group of approximately 10-15 students and 1 teacher. All of the students are playing repertoire within a few pieces of each other and will cover specific technical challenges common to all students at this level.

Repertoire Class (C Class) – This is a large group of students and 1 teacher. This is usually all of the students studying in the same Suzuki book.

Orchestra – All students age 7 and older are assigned to an orchestra. Orchestras concentrate on music reading skills and orchestral techniques. The North Carolina Suzuki Institute orchestras are organized primarily by age.

Music Mind Games Class – All students age 6 and younger are assigned to a Music Mind Games class. MMG includes clever games, fun and attractive materials, and an innovative curriculum. These concepts work together to teach music theory and create music literacy.

Special Classes

Fiddling – This class is geared toward students who want to experience the world of Bluegrass fiddling. Students will learn fiddle tunes, harmonies, improvising tricks, bowings, and learning how to play backup, as well as many other stylistic elements of fiddling. The ability to read music will be helpful in this class but is not required. Learn your instrument in a special, fun, exciting way and join us for inspiring sessions to increase the variety of styles in which you play.

Chamber Music – Students who are 13 and older or in Book 4 and above may choose to participate in a string quartet or other chamber music ensemble coached by NCSI faculty. These groups are organized according to age and repertoire level.

Advanced Repertoire Class – The institute has a repertoire class for the most advanced students, who have progressed to a point where they wish to study specific advanced pieces in or beyond the Suzuki repertoire.  The Advanced Repertoire piece for 2025 is TBD.

Pre-Twinkle Day Camp

The Pre-Twinkle Day Camp is designed for four and five year old beginners who may not be ready for the rigors of a full week of the institute. This mini-institute will include master classes, group repertoire class, and a movement/Music Mind Games class.  This day camp is scheduled from 9 AM – 12 PM the Saturday and Sunday before the main institute begins.