What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki method is based on the philosophy of Japanese violin teacher Shin’ichi Suzuki, who believed that “every child can learn at a high level if given the right environment”. He suggested that if children are able to learn their home language and dialect perfectly, then correspondingly, all children will also be able to learn to play music, and based the method on the way we learn language: through exposure, imitation, encouragement, repetition, addition, and refinement. Parents are involved at every step of the way, working with the teachers to create a successful learning environment.
Our Suzuki Program at BKCM offers programs in violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, piano and flute. The curriculum incorporates three elements that provide the essentials needed for instrumental music education: private lessons, group/theory classes, and yearly group & solo recitals. Scroll down to learn more!
One Registration, Three Components
PRIVATE LESSONS
The Suzuki Private Lesson includes the student, teacher, and parent. These three people make a “Suzuki Triangle”, where everyone has a vital role to play. The parent’s job is especially important, because they attend every lesson and take notes on that week’s assignments; they are the container of knowledge. At home, the parent is the practice partner. A well-functioning triangle exists when there is a seamless interplay between the week’s clear assignments from the teacher and the daily, at-home practices completing them. This allows the student to experience the benefits of hard work, increased ease through skill-building, and observable progress. Hard work, patience and trust leads to many moments of celebration!
GROUP & THEORY CLASSES
Group and Theory are critical components of our program. Students remain in their assigned group and theory class for the entire year. (Unlike private lessons, where the teacher stays the same from year to year, the group class teacher may change). It is a desirable feature of the method for students to experience being “challenged” by their group and to be a “leader” of their group over the course of several years in the Suzuki program. Students learn valuable skills from both positions. The Suzuki parent attend and take notes at all group and theory classes, and fold weekly assignments into their daily practice along with private lesson assignments.
PERFORMANCES
In our program, children engage in a minimum of four annual performance opportunities, including both solo recitals and group showcases that hone their ensemble skills. Our faculty guide students to choose pieces that are already well-polished, preparing them carefully for performance. Because performing is an art that takes practice, we provide students with Performance Classes throughout the semester. Students step onstage completely at ease with the music they have chosen. For performers, these events are milestones that nurture self-assurance, resilience, and confidence. For concertgoers, the act of supporting each performer within a supportive community builds trust and connection, deepening our listening, and instilling a lifelong love of music.
Both performing and attending performances are integral to the growth of our young musicians and are required parts of our program.
Orientation & Enrollment
Prospective Parent Orientation for Suzuki Program
Attending a Suzuki parent orientation is a required stage of the application process. Enrollment is annual, and follows a three-stage process which begins in February, and includes a required parent orientation, observation and an intake interview.
All prospective families MUST attend our Prospective Parent Orientation before enrolling in Suzuki classes.
During the orientation, the Suzuki Director will discuss the Suzuki philosophy, educational approach, and the important role parents play in the child’s progress. Attendees will also be informed of scheduling requirements and what to expect during the first semester. Orientation is 75 minutes, including Q & A.
Following the orientation, families will be eligible to sign up for an intake interview. Attendance at the orientation is required in order to attend an intake interview.
To register for the required Parent Orientations for 2023-2024, please call registration staff at 718-622-3300.
- Orientation #1: Sunday, January 7, 2024, 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
- Orientation #2: Sunday, February 11, 2024, 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
- Orientation #3: Sunday, March 24, 2024, 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
In the meantime, we highly recommend our Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes, which are being held on Monday and Saturday mornings, for age 0 – 4.
Enrollment in the Suzuki Program is first-come, first served, with popular instruments filling up quickly. Registration for the program will start in June. If you are interested in applying, please join our BKCM Suzuki Instrumental Program Interest List here.
Tuition Breakdown
FULL SUZUKI PACKAGE
Includes private lessons, group instrumental class and theory class, two recitals and two festival concerts. Prices for the 2023-2024 school year, for 30 weeks:
- 30-minute lesson package $4,004.90
- 45-minute lesson package $4,499.91
- 60-minute lesson package $4,949.90
- 75-minute lesson package $5,549.89
- 90-minute lesson package $6,210.10
Financial Aid is available! If you’d like to apply now, please submit your application here.
If you have any questions regarding Financial Aid, email Kris.Mandapat@bkcm.org.
ADDITIONAL FEES
$220 Materials Fee for 2023-2024: Includes Puppy Pack, Suzuki Book 1, Helping Parents Practice, Nurtured by Love, and parent information materials.
$40 Registration Fee for 2023-2024: The registration fee is charged upon registration and is non-refundable. This fee is paid once per family per school year.
$40 Payment Plan Fee for 2023-2024: If you choose to enroll in one of our payment plan options, you will be charged the payment plan fee which is paid once per family per year.
$40 Late/Missed Payment Fee for 2023-2024
SUPPLEMENTARY LESSONS
Additional private lessons outside of the package. Prices per lesson for 2022-2023 school year.
- 30-minute lesson $90
- 45-minute lesson $119
- 60-minute lesson $140
- 75-minute lesson $160
- 90-minute lesson $177
The Suzuki Parent
The Suzuki Parent is the parent who attends parent classes, accompanies the child to lessons, communicates with the teacher, and works with the child at home. You are the container of information! If a spouse wants or needs to take over the duties of the Suzuki Parent, they must attend a full semester of Parents’ Class.
We teachers know that you work very hard in your role as a Suzuki Parent, and all of us have immense respect for your dedication. We have an incredible Suzuki community here at the Brooklyn Conservatory for which we are all very grateful. Let’s work together to continue to build a life-long musical journey for you and your children. As Suzuki said, “Music Polishes The Heart.
Expectations of the Suzuki Parent (as discussed in First Year Parents’ Class):
- Attend Parents’ Class during the first semester, and continue in role of Suzuki Parent for the duration of child’s Suzuki experience.
- Suzuki Parent (the one who attended the Parents’ Class) must attend all classes and take notes
- Ensure that student listens to the CD every day at home
- Practice every day at home with the child, using positive language strategies learned in Parents’ Class
- Obtain required materials and bring them to class every week
- Read and follow the Suzuki Program Family Policies
- Keep a sense of humor, and model this for your children
- Keep an open dialogue with your teacher in order to problem solve together
Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE)
Suzuki Early Childhood Music is offered in two 15-week sessions, with rolling admissions. Tuition will be prorated for families joining mid-semester.List.
During each class, teachers will lead families through a curriculum of songs, rhymes and activities designed to keep children engaged in a calm, focused environment. Taking turns and collaborating on familiar activities will continue to develop social skills and connection, even while learning online!
Teachers will make use of various instruments such as the triangle, xylophone, woodblock and drums to enhance and nurture the foundational development of pitch and rhythm necessary to begin private instrumental study when they are older. The occasional guest may even demonstrate an instrument from our Suzuki Instrumental Program!
If you’re interested in learning more about the upcoming SECE enrollment cycles, click here to join the SECE Interest List.
Class Schedule:
Mondays at 9:15am, 10:30am with Aaron Van Heyningen and Ruth Klukoff
Saturdays at 9:00am, 10:15am with Lyuba Dubov and Sara Ptak
The class runs September – June, but families may register one semester at a time. $585 per 15-week semester.
Please join us for a free trial class by calling our Registration Desk at 718-622-3300.