music lessons

new this year

lesson calendar

  • January 16: Second semester of lessons begin.
    February 12: Teen ensemble concert in Common Grounds
    April 13 & 15: Spring Recitals

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.

Music lessons are offered in piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar.

Requirements and expectations

New students will be accepted through early spring. (Note: There is no late registration fee for new students.) For more information or to register, call (540) 432-4277, fax (540) 432-4622, or email .

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 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.

All Suzuki students receive individual instruction each week and also participate in biweekly group lessons. 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 class meets once a week and is 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

  • January 21 Suzuki Violin students are playing in Norfolk prior to VA Symphony Concert with Gil Shaham.
  • February 12 Preparatory Music Chamber Recital in EMU Common Grounds Coffee House at 5:15 pm.
  • February 25 Suzuki Violin Workshop with Nadine Moehlenkamp in Lehman Auditorium and Martin Chapel.