Instrumental Program
Violin, Cello, Piano, & Harp

Our instrumental program offers private lessons using the Suzuki Method for violin, cello, piano, and harp for children aged 4-18. The Suzuki Method is a comprehensive approach that helps children acquire the language of music on an instrument in partnership with their parent/guardian and their teacher.

We strive to create an environment that nurtures the growth and development of our parents and students through the following aspects of our program: ​

• Individual Lessons

• Group Classes

• Performance Opportunities

• Master Classes

• Musical Achievement

• High School Program

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Individual Lessons

​The most instructional time occurs during the weekly lesson, where teachers work one-on-one with students and their parents to develop their musical skills. Lessons are 30, 45, or 60 minutes long, depending on the child’s age and level. The teacher instructs the parent and child on how to practice throughout the week in order to build skills on their instrument. This allows for highly individualized instruction that encourages students to develop at their own pace. Parental involvement is crucial to the success of the child.

Group Classes

​Group classes occur weekly or monthly (depending on the instrument) and are for 2-20 students per class. These classes foster a supportive community that encourages each child’s musical growth, reinforces skills from private lessons, and motivates students through peer learning. Group classes also offer regular performance opportunities to build confidence while students develop ensemble skills and learn music theory in an interactive way. Fun and games are incorporated to make learning enjoyable. Activities are tailored by faculty to suit each child's age, skill level, and instrument, ensuring a meaningful experience for every student.

Suzuki Parent Education & Discussion

Parent education sessions aim to deepen understanding of the Suzuki Method, provide practical tools for practicing with children, and foster community among families. They are led by a faculty member and typically take place during group classes. See Parent Education >>

For new families, a series of three sessions equips parents as practice partners and creates an opportunity to connect with other parents at ISA.
    Session 1: Character Development through Suzuki Education, the Parent Role, and Listening
    Session 2: How to Practice - Tools for Working with Your Child
    Session 3: The Value of Group Class, Q & A, and Practice Partner Resources.

Performance Opportunities

Students receive ample opportunities to share their new skills and practice public performance.

• Solo Recitals: Students perform well-prepared, memorized solo pieces with piano accompaniment.
• Annual Concert: The focus of the performances at the Annual Concerts is collaboration—making music with others! It includes play-downs for each instrument and special performances.
• Community Performances: There are numerous opportunities for students to perform in our community with other students. Our goal is to provide students with meaningful experiences that allow them to share their music with others.​

Master Classes

In a master class, a guest artist or teacher works one-on-one with a student, who is observed by an audience. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for all participants to learn from an expert musician, who provides in-depth feedback and guidance. Aligned with the Suzuki method’s emphasis on learning through observation, master classes are designed to benefit both performers and observers. One master class is held annually for each instrument in the program, with student performers selected through an audition process.

Musical Achievement

Musical Achievement is an opportunity for students to perform a selection of pieces for faculty and receive feedback as a capstone to the academic year. This is similar in nature to an audition, college jury, or solo and ensemble contest, but at an age-appropriate level for each individual student. The value in this experience is not just preparing and performing, but in learning from watching their peers perform as well. One key principle in the Suzuki method is that children learn from each other. This experience is formulated on best practices from the renowned Preucil School of Music in Iowa.

High School Program

When students reach high school, the group class component takes a different shape and varies by instrument program, providing more flexibility to fit their busy lives, schedules, and unique needs. The class schedule is condensed to facilitate collaborative playing through duos and chamber music, performance opportunities, and a shorter term commitment. High School students opt in to participate in each session, requiring a commitment to attend all classes in that session and prepare assigned repertoire.

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“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."

-- Shinichi Suzuki, creator of the Suzuki Method