Registration for Spring 2014 will begin November 13th!
2013-14 Instrumental Lessons PDF!
lesson calendar
- Nov 8-10: Preparatory Recitals
Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving break
Dec 13: Fall Semester Lessons EndGroup Class Schedule Fall 2013!
special offerings
prep music newsletter
students on stage
More than 100 children crowd the stage each spring during the Suzuki violin concert!
Instrumental Lessons
Instructors who are specialists on their instrument offer weekly music lessons. Student placement is determined by schedule. Students may choose 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons at the discretion of the instructor.
Private music lessons are offered in piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar; Suzuki violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano and flute.
Fall Instrumental Information
Please contact the office at (540) 432-4277 or e-mail with any further questions you may have about the Fall semester.
Spring 2014 Registration Beginning November 13th
Performance opportunities
- solo recitals each semester
- small ensemble performance opportunities
- community performances (nursing homes, churches, shopping areas…)
- studio or large group performance at the end of each year
- Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony for advanced students
Inclement Weather Policy
Please note that we rarely make cancellations for the whole program, even if EMU is closed. Exceptions are made if parking and sidewalks are not cleared. In this case we’ll put an announcement on the Prep Music phone (432-4277) as well as on this website. Cancellation is left up to the individual teacher and families. If you cannot come in because of bad weather, please contact your teacher before your lesson time. If your teacher cannot come in, you will be contacted. If you have not heard from your teacher, assume that your lesson is still on.
More about Suzuki violin, viola, guitar, flute, piano, and cello.
Group Class Schedule
The Suzuki method of instruction provides a higher level of quality instruction and offers the chance to specialize lessons for each individual students.
Many children around the world are introduced to formal music-making through the unique method known as Talent Education, designed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. The approach affirms that everyone has musical talent which, if lovingly and respectfully nurtured, can be developed to a high degree.
Development utilizes the “mother tongue” approach, inspired by observation of the ease with which very young children learn to speak their native language. Children first hear, then speak, then read their own language; likewise in the Suzuki approach, children first listen to music, then learn to play it by ear and by rote, then, at the discretion of the instructor, they are introduced to note reading.
Parent involvement is another hallmark of Suzuki’s approach. The idea is for the parent to be the “home coach.” The parent takes notes at the lessons, and records them if desired, and then assists the home practice. Your teacher will help you a great deal with this.
All Suzuki students receive individual instruction each week and also participate in biweekly group classes. These group classes are required for violin and guitar students in Book 1-5. Group lessons may include learning to play as a group, learning supplementary music, pre-note reading or note reading activities, theory games, ear training, improvisation and composition skills, ensemble playing, solo performances, or listening opportunities.
The Pre-Twinkle violin and guitar classes meet once a week and are for 3 & 4 year olds.
Learn more about the Suzuki method on the Suzuki Association of the Americas webpage
Chamber music
Intermediate and advanced students on teacher recommendation may choose to be a part of a chamber group.
Participation is encouraged, as it develops the student’s ensemble playing ability in a rewarding setting. Students may choose their own groups or a student may simply register and be placed in a group.
Students practice on their own once a week and are coached by an instructor twice a month or as arranged.
Upcoming Events
- October 20 – The first Senior Preparatory Recital of the year will take place in Martin Chapel at 5:00 pm.
- October 27 – The Shenandoah Valley Youth Orchestra will hold their annual Musical Treats concert at 3:30 pm in Lehman Auditorium.
- November 8 – Fall Preparatory Music Recitals will take place at 7:00 pm in both Martin Chapel and Recital Hall.
- November 9 – A Preparatory Music Recital will be held at 10:00 am in Martin Chapel.
- November 10 – 5 different Preparatory Music Recitals will be held. Two at 1:00 pm in both Martin Chapel and Recital Hall. One at 3:00 pm in Martin Chapel. Two at 5:00 pm in both Martin Chapel and Recital Hall.
- November 17 – Senior Preparatory Recital will be held in Martin Chapel at 5:00 pm.
- November 24 – The Shenandoah Valley Youth Orchestra will perform a concert with the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir at 4:00 pm in Lehman Auditorium. Donations are requested.