The Colburn Strings Department offers violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and harp lessons as well as violin, cello, and guitar instruction in the Suzuki method. With both instructional approaches, our renowned faculty members provide exceptional guidance tailored to the individual needs of each student.
Jump to: Suzuki Method Instruction Suzuki Strings Suzuki Guitar Private Traditional Instruction Group Classes Group Guitar Violin Sight Reading and Musicianship 2023–24 Ensembles Performances
The Suzuki method, founded by Japanese violinist Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, rests on the philosophy that every child is born with musical ability that can be nurtured and developed to a high level. This teaching method involves parent participation both in lessons and daily practices at home, and requires a major commitment of time.
My favorite part of the Suzuki Violin program was learning from different instructors as I moved up in different groups and meeting new people. Learning from many teachers really helped me see things in a new way every time. Violinist Victoria Chun
My favorite part of the Suzuki Violin program was learning from different instructors as I moved up in different groups and meeting new people. Learning from many teachers really helped me see things in a new way every time.
Children ages four through six may begin study when they display a readiness to accept instruction. For frequently asked questions about the Suzuki Strings Program for violin and cello, visit this page.
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I like playing Suzuki guitar because I get to play songs with other people. It’s also great to learn new things, like how music works. London Knight
I like playing Suzuki guitar because I get to play songs with other people. It’s also great to learn new things, like how music works.
The Suzuki Guitar Program is directed by Dr. Connie Sheu, a classical guitarist with over 15 years of experience teaching Suzuki guitar. Studying classical guitar through the Suzuki method provides students with a strong technical foundation on the guitar, along with the development of musicianship and artistry. A weekly private lesson ensures that students are progressing at their own pace with targeted practice goals at home. In addition to private lessons, weekly group classes arranged by student age and level develop ensemble skills and reinforce posture and technique on the instrument. Students perform twice a semester in solo and group recitals, participate in master classes, and are evaluated annually in juried performances at the end of the academic year.
Suzuki guitar is open to students ages five and older. Interested students should submit an inquiry form.
Private lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on what the instructor determines. These sessions enable teachers to develop individualized lesson plans based on a student’s needs.
If you’re interested in enrolling in private lessons, please fill out our online inquiry form.
Students develop the three essential techniques for a comprehensive mastery of the guitar – strumming, arpeggiation and single-line – through repertoire that ranges from classical, jazz, pop and ethnic music. Kenton Youngstrom, one of the world’s most versatile guitarists with over 45 years of teaching experience, has compiled a unique collection of pieces that develops technical fluency using three forms of music notation: standard, tablature and chord symbols. In addition, students in group guitar classes learn about improvisation, practical music theory and get inside knowledge about how to play in various ensembles.
Prior lessons or prior enrollment in CSPA Group Guitar – Beginning II highly recommended. Online accommodations can be made for intermediate students with teacher pre-approval, please email kyoungstrom@colburnschool.edu if you would like to take this class virtually.
Prior lessons or group class enrollment in CSPA Guitar II or Guitar III is highly recommended. Online accommodations can be made for Advanced students with teacher pre-approval, please email kyoungstrom@colburnschool.edu if you would like to take this class virtually.
Adult group classes are semester based, running 6 weeks during the summer, and 16 weeks in the fall from August – December or spring from January – May.
Adult group classes are semester based running 6 weeks in the summer and 16 weeks during the fall from August – December or spring from January – May.
Designed for both Suzuki and traditional violin students, this course will give an introduction into the early stages of sight reading and musicianship as well as a general overview of the basics of orchestra skills (learning proper violin posture when seated with a music stand and how to read and mark a music score).
All new and returning students must audition for placement.
Duration
Weekly on Wednesdays, 6:00 – 6:45 pm
Prerequisites
Participants must study privately and are required to have finished Joanne Martin, I Can Read Music, Volume 1 prior to audition. No previous orchestral experience is necessary.
Minimum Age Requirement
3rd grade; must be eight years old by September 1, 2023
Recommended Minimum Level of Playing
Dvořák Humoresque (Suzuki Vol. 3)
Audition Information
In-person auditions for the 2023–2024 academic year will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Upon completion of the application form, a link will be provided to schedule an audition time.
Audition Requirements
Please be prepared to demonstrate:
Audition results will be sent via email by midnight on July 1.
Introduction to strings provides students a chance to see what is involved in learning a string instrument and decide whether it is really for them. Classes cover posture, bowing, guides for effective practice, elementary musicianship skills, and more! Instrument rental is an additional fee at the student’s expense.
As skills advance, students can supplement private lessons with group instruction through different classes and ensemble experiences. Visit our ensembles page for more information.
Aspiring musicians can enhance their music education by observing others perform, including watching technical skills and proper performance etiquette. We always welcome students to attend any of our free performances at the Colburn School. Performance opportunities include Studio Recitals, Friday Night Recitals, School Recitals, and Honors Recitals. For more information, visit Performance Opportunities.