:: Enrichment Classes ::
Each student is provided one enrichment class as part of the core curriculum covered by the tuition payment. On the enrollment form indicate your four (4) choices for enrichment classes and rank them in order of preference. If you prefer to rank fewer than four (4) choices, please indicate this by marking the “I opt not to include an enrichment class” option on the enrollment form as your last choice. Refunds or discounts are not provided to students who rank fewer than four (4) options and cannot be matched with an enrichment class. Similarly, refunds or discounts are not provided to students who choose not to enroll in any enrichment classes.
Each student’s schedule is developed with priority to his or her core curriculum instrument and musicianship classes. The enrichment class is then assigned, matching the highest ranked choice, that best fits the student’s schedule, for other core curriculum classes. Placement in enrichment class also takes into account students’ age and study level.
Non-Suzuki Siblings/Parents Can enroll in enrichment classes on a space available basis. Fill out a student application form indicating “sibling” or “parent” on the instrument line. Siblings may register for up to three enrichment classes at $170 per class.
:: Bass ::
The bass faculty shows you how easy this most ‘chocolate’ of instruments can be. Hear yourself produce rich, deep sounds as you actually play the bass. Explore plucked and bowed styles, bass lines and tunes. Open to students ages 5 and up pending availability of provided instruments. Check out teacher Virginia Dixon's site: http://www.elmhurst.edu/~virginia/Virginia%20Dixon%20Home%20Page.html
:: Experienced Bass ::
The bass faculty teach this enrichment to students who have completed the bass enrichment class at Colorado Suzuki Institute in the past.
:: Bluegrass for Cello/Bass ::
Renata Bratt believes, “Don’t let the fiddlers have all of the fun!” Learn bluegrass tunes and styles as well as how to accompany. Plus, with these fast and fun tunes, your string crossing and left hand speed will really improve. Taught aurally with reference to sheet music allowed. Cellists and bassists must be ages 10 and older, must have learned at least the first half of Book 3, and be comfortable with shifting. Grouped by Suzuki book level and age.
::Collaborative Piano Ensemble Playing::
Playing with other people is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a musician! Being a strong solo pianist and a strong collaborative pianist require different training. The skills of piano accompanying will be worked on during each class and will be taught by piano faculty. A list of music to be prepared is available List of music to prepare for this class.Students are expected to have prepared the music with complete fluency by the beginning of CSI 2008. Limited to 4 students per class period. Solo instrumentalists will be provided.
Level 1: Prerequisite playing levels: Have performed duets from Kaleidoscope book 1 by Jon George, Alfred Publ. Performed Bach Minuets as solos.
Level 2: Prerequisite playing levels: Have accompanied Suzuki book 1 on violin, cello, or flute. Performed Clementi Sonatina, Op. 36, no. 3
Level 3: Pre requisite playing levels: Have accompanied Suzuki book 2 on violin, cello, or flute. Preformed Beethoven Sonata, Op. 49, no. 2
:: Composition ::
Carl van Wyk teaches this hands-on composition course in a computer lab using Sibelius notation programs. The session will end with live performances of the compositions. Open to students with a minimum theory level of “D” and also a knowledge of triads, inversions and primary chords.
Photo by Robert Schlaberg, 2006
:: Experienced Composition ::
In addition to the above theory levels, students need to mail a photocopy of a short, recent composition when the application form is submitted. Each student’s parent(s) must sign the composition to verify the original work of the student. Participants are urged to give thought to the piece(s) they would like to write during the composition course at Beaver Creek. Preliminary ideas, in the form of manuscript sketches or midi recordings of ideas and fragments would help to speed the composition process. Students are alerted to the possibility of a performance of a student work composed during the composition course.
:: Dalcroze Eurhythmics::
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is a unique, exciting, and powerful education in music for individuals of all ages and levels. Rhythmic movement, intense listening, and improvisation unlock creativity, nurture imagination, and open the doors to enriched and enlivened music making. Musical concepts are explored through social and interactive methods that invite the students to trust their ideas and develop their own intuitions. Dalcroze study has three branches:
Eurhythmics trains the body in rhythm, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and form;
Solfège trains the ear, eye, and voice in pitch, melody, and harmony;
Improvisation brings all elements together according to the student's own invention -- in movement, with voice, at an instrument.
:: Fiddling ::
Photo by Bodo Schlaberg
Join Suzuki violin/fiddle teacher David Smith for an exploration of the American fiddle tune, and learn half a dozen Appalachian and contest-style tunes as well as some old-fashioned dance numbers. This class will also look at different fiddling rhythms, tags and double-stops. Beginners require a minimum performance level of Lightly Row. Grouped by playing levels. Get ready for fun!
:: Guitar for Parents :: 
Photo by Bodo Schlaberg
Our guitar faculty teaches parents how to accompany their children on the guitar, touching on various styles of popular music and the fundamentals of classical guitar. Course participants should provide their own guitar, classical guitar footrest, paper and pencil to class. Two sections are offered. The advanced section is for those who already have at least some skill in finding and playing these chords on the guitar: A Maj., A Min., C Maj., D Maj., E Maj., E Min., F Maj. and G Maj.
If you cannot find and play these chords, register for the beginner class. To register, use the student application form and pay the fee as a “Non-Suzuki Sibling / Parent,” indicating your choice for the beginner or advanced class. Available session 1 ONLY.
:: Irish Cello ::
Scott Walker teaches Irish Cello to cello students in Book 3 and beyond and age 9 and older. This fun class features the lyrical folk tunes of Irish music. Grouped by Suzuki book level.
:: Irish Ensemble :: 
Photo by Bodo Schlaberg
Scott Walker leads a limited number of violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, guitar and piano students in an Irish music ensemble! If any of the above instrumentalists also play mandolin, bohdran, penny whistle, harmonica or hurdy gurdy, please indicate so on the registration form. This is an educational experience in playing traditional acoustic Irish music, or music of a similar feel, in a small ensemble. Irish Ensemble reads and explores tunes, works on performance practices and prepares for a presentation at the end of the week. MINIMUM Suzuki levels: violin book 7; viola, cello, bass and flute book 5; guitar book 3. Open only to students ages 13 and older.
:: Jazz Bass::
If you have already taken experienced bass enrichment OR have played bass in an ensemble, you can explore this new bass enrichment, and explore jazz bass playing, learning, the bass-ics of jazz harmony, walking bass lines, and singing! Taught by John Kennedy.
:: Penny Whistle ::
Mary Beth Norris teaches this 6-holed penny whistle class to students ages 4 through 8. Come and explore this simple little wind instrument that is played the world over by folk musicians. A penny whistle will be provided for each student assigned to this class. Grouped by age.
:: Experienced Penny Whistle ::
Mary Beth Norris teachs more advanced pennywhistle skills for students ages 7-9 who have completed penny whistle at the Colorado Suzuki Institute before.
:: Piano Styles: Blues, Rock, Pop, Salsa! ::
Photo by Robert Schlaberg
Karl Montzka teaches this class for teenage pianists exploring these styles and more. Students will learn bass lines, comping and soloing for all kinds of grooves. Basic knowledge of chords is helpful but not required. Come and jam in a fun, no pressure environment. Minimum playing level of piano Suzuki book 3 ages 13 and older.
:: Practice Mentoring::
Lucy Shaw teaches older students to become effective practicepartners for the less advanced student. Learn how to support both the parent and the teacher of younger students through class discussions and actual practice sessions with Institute participants. Open to students ages 14 and older. Suzuki Book 6 knowledge required.
::Recording, Radio, & Podcasting::
Learn the basics of recording music, speech, and the world around you to create programs ready for the internet and the radio-waves! Hands-on activities include on-location recording, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Vilar Center recording booth, and much more. The final class project will be a music & interview podcast recorded and produced by the students. Broadcast on KCSI under the leadership of Jesse McQuarters, producer of nationally syndicated programming for the WFMT Radio Network in Chicago. No prereq. skills. Students bring their own equipment: a 5G iPod, or iPod touch, or iPod nano plus the iPod recording attachment. Open to students ages 13 and up. Email us if you have questions about the equipment you will need.
:: Singing ::
Karen Weinzierl will direct this fun class teaching part singing. It doesn’t matter whether you think you can or can’t sing! You will explore ways to make your voice sound better as you apply your music skills to choral music. Music will represent cultures from around the globe. Grouped by ages.
:: Viola for Violinists ::
Gail Acosta teaches violinists who want to learn to play the viola and read alto clef, using Suzuki and supplementary viola literature. You will be notified by mail by May 20 if you are scheduled for this enrichment so that you can bring an appropriate sized viola. Some violas are available for rental from Robertsons & Sons, 1.800.284.6546. Call to reserve a viola and pick it up on check-in day. Minimum playing level of Violin Book 3. Grouped by Suzuki book level.
:: Viola for Violinists, Experienced level ::
Gail Acosta teaches this enrichment to students who have taken the viola for violinist enrichment class at Colorado Suzuki Institute in the past.
:: Additional Student Options::
Available for a supplemental fee
:: Violin Tuning Class ::
Offered to students in Book 2 and up, ages 7 or older. This one-time, one-hour class includes installing strings, using tuners and pegs, listening to pitch, tuning techniques andhelpful hints. Bring your instrument. Class is scheduled during one of the student enrichment/group hours. Different sections are grouped by age. There is also an “experienced” section for students who have taken this class before and want a refresher. Please indicate if you want the refresher section. There is a separate section of this class for teachers.
Additional fee: $34
:: Chamber Music Ensembles ::
Available on a limited basis. Applicants include a VHSvideocassette tape or DVD recording of a polished solo with the student application. Select instrument below to print out form to include with audition recording.
- String students receive their assigned ensemble music in mid May and are expected to have prepared the music to a rehearsal-ready level by the beginning of CSI 2008. Minimum playing level of beginning of book 4 and previous orchestra experience. This opportunity replaces the enrichment course option and requires an additional fee. Additional fee: $195
Photo by Bodo Schlaberg, 2007