Welcome to the Sacramento Suzuki Violin Studio! We thrive on transmitting the joy of music making while cultivating a standard of excellence to students of all ages throughout the Sacramento area. Admission to the Sacramento Suzuki Violin Studio is open to anyone desiring to learn violin. We offer a variety of courses for students aged 2.5 years to adulthood. Our faculty and staff can assist new students in finding the most appropriate type of instruction.
The Sacramento Suzuki Violin Studio is committed to helping our students develop a solid technical and musical foundation at every level as they develop the discipline and love for music. We provide comprehensive training for gifted young artists preparing for a career in music as well as offering lessons to those for whom music enriches their main pursuits. We aim to support each child’s unique path and our hope is that all our students will derive meaning from their relationship with music throughout their lives.
All students, regardless of age or level, are expected to show a commitment to their studies by practicing daily at home, attending concerts, and participating in ensembles or classes as recommended by their teachers.
Those who fully participate in the musical offerings at SSVS will reap the rewards of this rich learning community.
Programs of study that students may opt for when registering:
All individual and group music instruction classes require a placement interview.
1. Individual Instruction Private lessons are available for students of any experience or background, from complete beginners through advanced levels of study, and for both children and adults. Practical violin/viola lessons are scheduled on an individual basis, contingent upon teacher availability and student scheduling preferences (lesson time and studio location). 2. Group Instruction Group classes allow students to enjoy the challenge of learning together and the sharing of their performing arts development. Group instruction programs include: 3. The Concertante String Orchestra (4-6 years of age) 4. The Sinfonietta String Orchestra (6-12 years of age) Performance Opportunities Performance is a central part of the SSVS experience. There are numerous recitals, concerts, and master classes that allow students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary for successful performance. In addition to private instructions, our students have the opportunity to participate in our weekly master classes, chamber music ensembles, and bi-annual student recitals. Operation Head Start The Sacramento Suzuki Violin Studio’s Head-Start Scholarship Program, launched in January 2009, has been developed in consultation with various Head Start schools in the Sacramento areas to meet the needs of gifted and exceptionally motivated Head-Start Pre-K children who require a challenge beyond the traditional Pre-K classroom music curriculum. Group lessons are free to all selected students. Music Acceleration Program (MAP) The Sacramento Suzuki Violin Studio today announced an innovative new music education pilot program, the Music Acceleration Program (MAP), to expand the Studio’s music literacy programs in Sacramento’s elementary schools. Currently, there are a total of five schools consisting of 110 children from second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades which have been selected to participate in the 2009-2010 school year. As part of MAP, each student will have the opportunity to learn how to play the violin and read music taught by SSVS education staff. SSVS Staff will teach in the classroom as “Music Mentors,” and will offer personalized instruction to strengthen each child’s listening skills as they nurture their enthusiasm for learning. The new program also introduces children to different ensembles such as String Quartet, Duet, and Trio. Music education is an essential component of each child’s academic, cognitive and social development, and the goal of MAP is to give each child the best-quality of private teaching and mentoring at most affordable rates in public school settings that makes a lasting and positive impact in a young person’s growth. Following a review at end of the 2009-2010 school year, MAP will expand to schools in outlying and historically underserved areas. As a culminating event of MAP, students will perform at the State Capitol on May 2010. The Concertante String Orchestra
The Concertante String Orchestra is an introduction to orchestral playing. In this group, students learn important fundamentals of playing with others in an ensemble setting while still receiving close personal guidance. The main repertoire of the Concertante String Orchestra comprises of short, enjoyable arrangements for young players. Members are generally from 4-6 years of age. Applicants must have had private individual instruction for at least one year, must have mastered Twinkle Twinkle Variations A, B, C and D; major scales G, D, A in first position. This orchestra is designed for students who have had limited orchestral experience and who are working on mastering their reading abiity.
The Sinfonietta String Orchestra
Acceptance into the Sinfonietta String Orchestra is by audition only. Many students start in the Concertante String Orchestra. When they feel they are ready, they audition for the Sinfonietta Orchestra. String players who have mastered proper position, play with accurate intonation and resonant tone, and play with refined bow control are eligible for this orchestra. Members are generally from 6-12 years of age.