Register Now for Suzuki Strings Day Camp!
Register Now for Piano Day Camp
lesson calendar
- May 6-10: Make-up lessons
June 3: Summer lessons beginspecial 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, clarinet, saxophone, guitar; Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and guitar.
Registration Information
We are now accepting new students for Summer Lessons. Please contact the office at (540) 432-4277 or e-mail to learn about available openings.
2012-13 Guidelines, Policies, and Registration Form PDF!
Suzuki Strings & More! Day Camp
This camp is an exciting opportunity for string students to participate in a four-day Suzuki day camp similar to the summer Suzuki Workshops (Institutes) that are offered throughout the nation every year. Our experience has been that a week at camp can be as valuable as a month or two of lessons!
Options include:
- 2-hour daily mini-camp for beginner cello and violin students (through mid-Book 1)
- 6-hour day camp for violin and cello students (mid-Book 1 and up)
- Multi-Styles String Camp for teens, violin, viola, cello (Bk. 4 and up) and Guitar
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, and cello
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.
Group Lesson Schedule, Spring 2013
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
- June 18 – June 20 Preparatory Music Program’s Piano Day Camp.
- June 30 – July 3rd the Preparatory Music Program will have its annual Suzuki Strings Day Camp .