Eastern Mennonite University

Preparatory Music Program

Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music became a program of Eastern Mennonite University's Department of Music in 1988 and is dedicated to providing the highest quality music education to all students in the central Shenandoah Valley regardless of age, race, ability, financial circumstances, or ethnic origin through private and/or group instruction in a variety of musical areas as well as through performance settings.

Believing music can enrich everyone's life and is to be shared, performances are arranged in formal and informal settings on EMU's campus and throughout the community.

Sharon M. D. Miller,
Administrative Director

Instrumental music instruction

piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, harp

Weekly private lessons are offered by instructors who are specialists on their particular instrument. Student placement is determined by the student's and the instructor's schedules. Students may choose 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons at the discretion of the instructor. Some piano students are also involved in group lessons. Suzuki violin students are required to sign up for group lessons through Book 5.
Note: Students are financially committed to a semester (16) weeks of lessons.

Fall 2003 registration and further information (pdf-- Download Acrobat Reader free)

For further information on any of these programs call 432-4277. Interested students are invited to come with a parent to observe a lesson, group lesson or rehearsal. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Suzuki Violin and Piano
The Suzuki method of instruction has been taught in the Shenandoah Valley since 1981. Every year as enrollment increases, we strive to provide a higher level of quality instruction as well as being sensitive to the needs of the individual.

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.

Instrumental Lessons
piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, harp
Monica Hochstedler, coordinator

Weekly private lessons are offered by instructors who are specialists on their particular instrument. Student placement is determined by the student's and the instructor's schedules. Students may choose 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons at the discretion of the instructor. Some piano students are also involved in group lessons. Piano students need to have an acoustic or full-size digital piano at home for practice.

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.

Performance Opportunities

Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony

This ensemble. conducted by Maria Lorcas. provides a high level ensemble experience for advanced junior and senior high wind, percussion and string students. Admission is by audition only. Auditions are held in September and January. The Youth Symphony meets once a week for 8 weeks in the fall and 8 weeks in the spring. Public performances are scheduled during each session. Auditions are also held each spring for rising seniors who wish to perform a solo with the Youth Symphony.
The purpose of the Youth Symphony is:

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