Program Overview

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Introduction to the Suzuki Program

The Suzuki Approach was created by Japanese educator and violinist, Shinichi Suzuki. Suzuki believed that every child is born with innate abilities and that learning music can be fostered in the same process that we acquire language.

Program Details

Our Suzuki teachers work closely with parents and students to create the optimal setting that nurtures musicianship while developing character. Daily listening and practicing, weekly individual lessons and bi-monthly group lessons are all crucial to this environment. Our program also offers regular recitals, workshops and group performances that promote education and motivation while strengthening our community.

Admission Criteria

Children may begin Suzuki lessons around age 4 or older. If a child is 5 or under, we recommend that you participate in our early education class. Before registering, it is important that you and your child observe both an individual and group Suzuki lesson. Admission will also require a brief meeting with one of our Suzuki teachers to see if the program is a good fit for you and your family.

Parent Resources

• Practice Planner (PDF)
• Download Suzuki Recordings
• Suzuki Strings Graduation Information (PDF)
• Suzuki Strings Policies and Expectations (PDF)
• Watch a Clip From a Group and Graduation Concert
  • Lessons and Groups
  • Registration
  • Teachers
  • Fees
  • Suzuki Workshop

New Suzuki Parent Orientations

At the beginning of each semester, new Suzuki parents attend two orientation sessions. During these sessions we will both explore Suzuki's Philosophy of education and offer actionable steps in developing a positive practice partnership with your child. A Suzuki information meeting will take place on Sept. 18 and from 7-8:15 p.m. for all parents wanting more information about the program. All Suzuki parents of currently enrolled students will meet on September 25 at 7 p.m.

Individual Lessons

Suzuki students attend 14 individual lessons in the fall and 14 individual lessons in the spring semesters and 6 in the summer. The teacher will work with you and your child on listening skills, balanced posture, rhythm, tone, and much more. Be sure to capture the lesson through a practice planner and notebook and video recordings. This will be invaluable for home practice!

Group Lessons

During Group Lessons, parents and students enjoy interacting while working on common repertoire, technique, reading, theory, music history and ensemble skills. A total of 14 group lessons (seven per semester) take place in the fall and spring semesters. Once your child is practicing independently and in the upper two groups, parental attendance is not required.

Suzuki Violin Group Schedule

Groups meet on Thursdays. Every student attends a group lesson between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Fall: Sept. 25, Oct. 9 and 23, Nov. 6 and 20, Dec. 4 and 11.
• Spring: Jan. 29, Feb. 19, March 5 and 19, April 2, 16 and 30.

Teachers

Violin

• Courtney Hanna-McNamara (Associate)
• Ann Montzka Smelser (Faculty*)
• Laurie Rodriguez (Associate)

Guitar

• Eric Schroeder (Associate)

Fees

Your fee includes the cost of private and group lessons. For violin students, the fee also includes the cost of a piano accompanist at group lessons and recitals.

Fall Only/Spring Only

14 Private Lessons and Groups

• Level | 30 Min | 45 Min | 60 Min
  ---|---|---|---
  • Associate - Suzuki Violin, Suzuki Guitar | $672 | $924 | $1,176
  • Faculty* (Ann Montzka Smelser) - Suzuki Violin | $826 | $1,155 | $1,484

Fall and Spring Semesters

28 Private Lessons and Groups

• Level | 30 Min | 45 Min | 60 Min
  ---|---|---|---
  • Associate - Suzuki Violin, Suzuki Guitar | $1,344 | $1,848 | $2,352
  • Faculty* (Ann Montzka Smelser) - Suzuki Violin | $1,652 | $2,310 | $2,968

Suzuki Workshop

Suzuki workshop and master class, Nov. 15, 2025 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Suzuki families are invited for an inspiring day of music making through master classes, group lessons, parent talks and a clinicians' recital. This workshop is free for all students enrolled in the NIU Suzuki programs. Other Suzuki students and teachers are welcome to register as guests for a fee.

Workshop Fees

• CSA Suzuki student - free
• Guest Student - $60
• Guest teacher with student - free
• Guest teacher without student - $45
• Additional fee for participating in master class - $45

Master Classes

Master classes are available for violin. Because of space limitations, students may not request a specific teacher for a master class. All those attending the workshop are welcome to observe any master class. Three or four students are assigned to each master class session, which lasts for one hour. Students are asked to stay for the entire session. CSA students: Be sure to register for your master class as soon as possible.

Guest Students

We welcome Suzuki students from other programs to attend the workshop and, if space is available, to register for a master class. Register as soon as possible for both the workshop and the master class. We will contact you if we are not able to offer you a time for a master class.

Guest Teachers

Teachers who have participating students may observe the workshop gratis. Teachers who do not have students participating and would like to observe may do so for a fee.

Literature

Students are responsible for reviewing all Suzuki pieces learned to date.

Repertoire List for NIU Suzuki Strings Fall

Below is the Suzuki repertoire list for the fall semester. Pieces will be selected from this list for workshops, group lessons and performances

• Book One
  • All
• Book 2
  • Chorus from "Judas Maccabaeus," G. F Handel
  • Hunters Chorus, C. M von Weber
  • Waltz, J. Brahms
  • Witches' Dance, N. Paganini
  • Gavotte, P. Lully
  • Minuet, L. Boccherini
• Book 3
  • Minuet 3, C. Petzhold
  • Gavotte in G Minor, J.S. Bach
  • Humoresque, A. Dvorak
  • Bourree, J. S. Bach
• Book 4
  • Concerto No. 2, 3rd mvt, F. Seitz
  • Concerto No 5, 3rd mvt,F. Seitz
  • Concerto in A Minor, 3rd mvt., A. Vivaldi
  • Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, J.S. Bach
• Book 5
  • Concerto in A Minor, 2nd mvt. Largo, A. Vivaldi
  • Concerto in G Minor, 1st mvt. Allegro, A. Vivaldi
  • German Dance, K. von Dittersdorf
  • Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, J.S. Bach
• Book 6
  • La Folia, Corelli
  • Handel F Major Sonata
  • Rameau Gavotte
• Book 7
  • Minuet, W. A. Mozart
  • Corelli Courante
• Book 8
  • Sonata in g minor, mvts. 1 and 2, H. Eccles
  • Allegro, Corelli
  • Supplementary Pieces for Group TBD