Early Pre-Twinkle (Age 3)
No formal daily practice,
Programming: Group class only, attend recitals and outreach events, absorb the environment
Three years old is a magical age filled with observation, imitation, and discovery! While some 3-year-olds may be ready for the combination of private and group lessons, many are not quite there yet.
We still want to take advantage of this crucial stage, so we offer Soft Start Suzuki, where 3-year-olds and their parents can participate in the group class in developmentally appropriate ways — through observation and imitation, without pressure to perform.
Younger siblings have always benefited from growing up surrounded by Suzuki lessons — watching, listening, and absorbing music long before they begin. Now, your child can have that same head start — even if they’re the first in your family to start the Suzuki journey.
Pre-Twinkle (Age 4+)
5–20 minutes of daily practice, Daily listening to Suzuki Recordings
Programming: Private Lessons, Group Classes, Pre-Twinkle Showcases, Solo Recital
Beginning students take a combination of 30-minute private lessons and 30-minute group lessons. Parents attend both to learn right alongside their child.
At this stage, families establish daily practice routines and learn how to make practice successful at home. Children typically spend about a year developing the musical and technical skills needed to learn their very first piece — Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.Since children at this stage are not yet ready to join the older students in performances, they have their very own pre-twinkle showcase during winter and spring group performances.
Beginners (Books 1–3)
20–45 minutes of daily practice, Daily listening to Suzuki Recordings
Programming: Private Lessons, Group Classes, Group Recitals, Solo Recital, Group Outreach Performances
Now that students can play songs on their instrument, practice increases to 20–45 minutes per day, still guided and scheduled by the parent. Students at this level focus on posture, tone, and aural skills.
Students participate in group outreach performances and join older students for festival concerts. Note reading is introduced separately and at varying stages, depending on the child.
Intermediate (Books 4–6)
45-60 minutes of daily practice, Daily listening to Suzuki Recordings
Programming: Private Lessons, Group Classes, Group Recitals, Solo Recitals, Group Outreach Performances, Solo Outreach Performances
Students at this level begin developing advanced techniques such as vibrato, shifting, varied bow strokes, and a more resonant tone. They study three-octave scales, arpeggios, and double stops, and begin the journey toward independent practice.
Most parents still attend lessons to encourage and witness their child’s growth. Students collaborate more closely with our pianist, Robert May, for solo recitals and outreach events. Many also seek orchestral experiences with the Tennessee Youth Symphony or Vanderbilt Youth Orchestras. Many of our students also join our Fiddle Elective.
Advanced (Books 7–8)
1–2 hours of daily practice, Daily listening to Suzuki Recordings
Programming: Private Lessons, Group Classes, Group Recitals, Solo Recitals, Group and Solo Outreach Performances, Mid-State and NAMTA Auditions
Advanced students continue refining their technical mastery, artistic phrasing, mature tone, and sight-reading skills. In addition to solo and group performances, they are encouraged to participate in auditions for valuable feedback and growth.
We also guide them toward more philanthropic performance opportunities to nurture their growth as empathetic musicians and giveback to their communities. Advanced students in the Fiddle Elective shine with advanced techniques like shuffle bowing, rhythmic chops, double stops and solos
Young Artist (Book 8 and Beyond)
2–4 hours of daily practice, Daily listening to Suzuki Recordings
Programming: Private Lessons, Performance Classes, Solo recitals, Group Recitals, Outreach Events, Auditions, & College Audition Preparation
Students beyond the Suzuki books lead a rich musical life of solo performances, chamber ensembles, and symphony orchestras — often while exploring the alternative fiddle styles that Nashville has to offer.
Some students extend lesson times to 75 minutes to accommodate longer repertoire. Those preparing for college auditions refine their scales, technique, solo Bach, concertos, showpieces, and sonatas.
Fiddle Elective
Performance Group
The Fiddle Elective meets weekly in addition to Suzuki group class. Students learn highly motivating tunes by ear, accompany each other with chords and chops, and strengthen ensemble and performance skills.
Because fiddling allows for variation, each tune can be tailored to the individual’s level. Students bond through learning bluegrass, old-time, Irish, and other world styles.Thanks to donations, we invite world-class local fiddlers for inspiring workshops and performances.
Viola Ensemble
Since violists are rarer, our viola students begin as violinists and attend violin group class through suzuki book 3 in order to benefit from the educational and social components of larger group classes. Together, the parent, teacher, and child decide when it’s the right time to begin viola lessons and join the Viola Ensemble in addition to their violin group class — at no extra charge. Once the student reaches Suzuki book 4, they may transition fully to viola and graduate from violin group classes.
For transfer viola students, there are more nuances to consider – especially if the student has started in school orchestra. Observations and trial lessons help determine whether our program is the right fit. See our enrollment process for more info.
