FAQs

Questions

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1. Why choose SuzukiMusic?
2. What instruments are taught at the SuzukiMusic?
3. How do I choose an instrument for my child?
4. How do I choose a teacher?
5. What is the right age to start a child on an instrument?
6. What are group classes?
7. Should I buy an instrument right away?
8. Does the school rent instruments?
9. How do I pay for my child’s fees?
10. What is Viva Suzuki?
11. Does the SuzukiMusic have any Summer Programs?
12. Do any of the SuzukiMusic faculty teach privately during the summer?
13. Which families are eligible for financial bursaries?
14. Does my family receive a discount if we have more than one child in the school?
15. What if I want to withdraw my child from the school?

 

Answers

1. Why choose SuzukiMusic?
   Originally founded by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan in the 1940s, the Suzuki approach has spread worldwide and is recognized as a major force in music education today. Click here for more information.

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2. What instruments are taught at SuzukiMusic?
   The National Capital Suzuki School of Music offers lessons in violin, viola, cello, flute and guitar.

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3. How do I choose an instrument for my child?
   There is no wrong decision when choosing an instrument for your child. Some children are drawn to certain instruments. Showing your child pictures of instruments, or listening to recordings with them can help parent and child choose an instrument together.

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4. How do I choose a teacher?
   SuzukiMusic has a large faculty of extremely experienced teachers. Many teachers like to meet with students and parents before accepting them into their studio. This provides the teacher an opportunity to meet the child, and an opportunity for the parent to determine if the teacher's personality and teaching style suits their child. Some parents also prefer taking lessons from a teacher who lives in their area.

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5. What is the right age to start a child on an instrument?
   Dr. Suzuki once said “You are never to young, and rarely too old” to play an instrument. Children most often begin music lessons between the ages of 3 and 6.

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6. What are group classes?
   Group classes are very similar to private lessons, but in a larger class setting. During a group class a faculty member leads a group of 5-12 students through pieces, musical exercises and games. Group class help build a sense of peer motivation, performance skills and a sense of community.

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7. Should I buy an instrument right away?
   It is best to wait for the help of your private teacher when buying an instrument. Our faculty members will be most willing to help you find an instrument that is the right size and quality for your child. The SuzukiMusic also offers several Instrument Loan Programs, as well as supporting a Classified Instruments page on our website.

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8. Does the school rent instruments?
   SuzukiMusic has a number of instrument loan programs. Violas, flutes, and cellos may be rented from the school at very reasonable rates and are loaned an instrument for free during their first year of study. SuzukiMusic is proud to have a collection of high quality Sabatier Violas, starting at 1/16th size, so that children as young as 3 years of age can start viola studies.

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9. How do I pay for my child’s fees?
   Please refer to the information in the registration section.

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10. What is Viva Suzuki?
    The Viva Suzuki Concert is a performance of all SuzukiMusic students given anually. Proceeds from this concert go towards our sister school in Haiti, further training for our faculty members and funding of Suzuki Student programming.

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11. Does SuzukiMusic have any summer programs?
    SuzukiMusic offers a Summer Camp for children 5-12 years of age.

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12. Do any of the SuzukiMusic faculty teach privately during the summer?
    Yes, many of our teachers provide private lessons during the summer. Please contact individual teachers to find out their availability.

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13. Which families are eligible for financial bursaries?
    SuzukiMusic offers a limited number of bursaries to families in financial need. Eligible families have typically studied at the school for at least one year, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to the school.

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14. Does my family receive a discount if we have more than one child in the school?
    The SuzukiMusic will reduce its membership fee when a family has more than one child in the school. Please view the bottom half of the registration form to see a list of SuzukiMusic membership fees.

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15. What if I want to withdraw my child from the school?
    Please refer to the Member Info and Policies section for information on payments and withdrawing from the school.

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