:: Suzuki Student Institute ::

Enrollment is open to students studying violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, flute or guitar with a Suzuki teacher, using the Suzuki Method. Students participating in the voice program do not have to be studying with a Suzuki trained teacher or using the Suzuki method. Session 1 will offer instruction for violin, viola, cello, piano, double bass, voice and guitar. Session 2 will offer instruction for violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, voice and flute. Students from Twinkle through Books 10 and beyond may enroll in either or both sessions.

The daily schedule includes private lessons/master classes arranged according to each child’s level of advancement, group lessons/repertoire classes and note reading/improvisation classes. Additional Institute activities include a wide variety of non-Suzuki enrichment classes, jam sessions, solo recitals, concerts and videos.

The Student Institute is designed to be a family experience. All children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible, interested adult. It is preferable that there be one adult present per child. Activities are spread throughout the day for most students. Evening activities are also part of the schedule. Families should make a commitment to participate in all activities offered in order to benefit fully from the Institute. Students ages 13 or older may attend unaccompanied if housed in the Teen Lodge Program, which is supervised by adult staff of the Colorado Suzuki Institute. See the housing description for information about the Teen Lodge Program.

Vocal Program for Students!

Students will be able to register for a full Institute experience in vocal development, technique and performance. Each student will receive a daily master class including personalized vocal instruction on pieces they have prepared. In addition, students will participate in a daily group class which will emphasize performance poise, stage presence, vocal projection and stylistically appropriate interpretations. The daily technique class will focus on exercises that enhance the production of a natural, vibrant and resonant tone, as well as instruction in English and foreign language diction. The daily, animated, ensemble class will work towards a production of Broadway Revue at the end of the week, highlighting the skills learned, fostering friendships and ensemble work. Vocal program students will also be enrolled in a theory/ musicianship class to enhance their musical understanding.

Students should prepare two pieces from memory to bring to the master class. In addition, students should bring another working piece to the Institute. Each student must bring two copies of each piece they will sing: one for themselves and another for the accompanist. Pieces must have a piano accompaniment and all music must be in a printed format. Students may bring along Karaoke accompaniments to their pieces, but they must also submit the music in printed format to the instructor. The following music will be considered suitable for teaching: Folk, Disney, Broadway, Pop, Opera, Art Songs, English and Foreign Language songs. However, not all music is generally suited for each student’s vocal classification. Consideration should be given to the appropriateness of the range, the subject matter, and the actual teaching –pedagogical value of the pieces chosen.

Students should consult their vocal teachers to help them select repertoire that will be suitable for the Institute experience. There is no minimum age to enroll, but to obtain the maximum benefit from the vocal program, students should be able to read words, sing on pitch and be ready to sing for a teacher and for others.

Cello instrument rental is available on a limited basis from the Colorado Suzuki Institute.  Contact us via email to check on availability.  $75 per session.

Bass instrument rental can be arranged through a local music store on a limited basis.  Contact us via email to check for contact information.

:: Preparation for the Institute::

Each student should review the entire Suzuki repertoire up to and including the current piece for his or her playing level. Be prepared to play a polished piece for the first class meeting. No matter what the level of current study, the student should select a piece from the repertoire that has been studied over a period of time. The teacher can better assess the student’s needs by hearing a technically and musically mature piece.

Except for pianists, each student who reads music should bring a music stand (labeled with student’s name) to the Institute.

:: Practice at the Institute::

Open-air practice sessions in quiet mountain landscapes provide a relaxing opportunity for parents and children to prepare for the next day’s lessons in a pleasant environment. Musicians may also practice in their lodging accommodations. Piano practice room sign-up sheets are posted at check in on June 9 and 15. Each student is guaranteed one half hour each day for practice on Institute pianos with additional time possible based on availability. If you are interested in renting a portable keyboard for practice use in your own lodging room, call Baker's Piano Center at 800-578-9566 or 303.730.7779
to reserve a keyboard for pickup on check-in day.


Baker's Piano Center of Highlands Ranch
2670 East County Line Road  Suite #A
Highlands Ranch CO  80126
303.730.7779

Baker's Piano Center of Boulder
2067 30th St
Boulder CO  80301
303.449.3177

:: Celebration Concerts::

Saturdays, June 14 and 21
All students perform in these final concerts beginning in the late afternoon of Saturday, June 14 for Session 1 and Saturday, June 21 for Session 2. Violins, violas, cellos, double basses, flutes and guitars perform in groups. A review list of the Suzuki repertoire is sent to students upon registration. Daily repertoire classes prepare students for these Celebration Concerts. All piano students participate in solo Celebration Concerts. Piano students need to come to Institute with one solo piece or movement prepared for the solo performance.

Concert dress is dark bottoms and white tops, except for pianists who are free to wear other colors.