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Washington Conservatory of MusicWashington Conservatory of Music
  • Lessons
  • Classes
  • Ensembles
  • Enroll
  • Concerts
  • Outreach
  • Information
  • About
    • About the School
    • Online Learning
    • Locations
    • News
    • Ensembles in Residence
    • Letter from the Director
    • Staff & Board of Directors
    • Faculty
    • Employment
    • Contact Us
  • Donate

Suzuki String Academy

Our comprehensive program for violin, viola, and cello fosters joyful young musicians.

Suzuki String Academy nurtures young musicians using the highly respected teaching method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Our expert Suzuki educators are equally committed to teaching instrumental technique and promoting holistic child development. We believe in instilling creativity, confidence, and love of learning while nurturing brain development, spatial awareness, social skills, and child/parent relationships.

Suzuki String Academy Core Values

  • Every child can develop musical talent.
  • Music education begins early, through listening.
  • An inclusive approach and a positive, nurturing environment
    promote holistic development and prepare children for success.
  • Parents/guardians play a vital role in the learning process.

Program Includes:

  • Weekly individual instruction
  • 9 hours of Group Class each semester (every-other week for Intermediate and Advanced groups, weekly 30 min classes for beginners)
  • One formal recital opportunity each semester
  • Group performances for the community throughout the year
  • Involvement in area Suzuki events through the Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area
  • Monthly discussion class for all parents, required for parents of beginners

Schedule

  • Weekly individual lesson scheduled with instructor
  • Beginner Violin Group Class, Mondays at 4:30 pm
  • Intermediate Violin/Viola Group Class, Mondays at 5 pm as scheduled
  • Advanced Violin/Viola Group Class, Mondays at 6 pm as scheduled
  • Cello Group Class, day and time TBD as scheduled

Current students, please reference your Suzuki Academy Schedule.

Getting Started

Interested in joining the program?  We invite you to come and observe a group class!  Here is our class schedule.  Complete the prospective student form before requesting to observe a class.

Our Suzuki Coordinator will contact prospective families interested in the Suzuki String Academy to set up two observations of the program. During this time, parents/guardians will see how the program works, receive additional information, and be able to ask questions before making the Suzuki commitment.

Suzuki during the pandemic

We all love making music together in person, but everyone’s health and safety must come first. We have moved to a largely online program for private lessons, but are offering the possibility of in-person lessons on a monthly basis, following all recommended guidelines outlined by local authorities. We have also moved to a hybrid system for one of the vital parts of the Suzuki method- the group class. This ensures that every student is able to participate regardless of age, health, and level of comfort. If you’re interested in learning more, please submit an inquiry and the program coordinator will provide more details.

What is the Suzuki Method?

More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) developed a philosophy of teaching music to young children based on the principles of language. He noticed that all children learned to speak their native tongue through consistent, nurturing exposure and by listening and repeating. He applied these same principles to teaching violin and called his approach the Mother-Tongue Method.

Dr. Suzuki believed that all children have musical talent and that every child can succeed when given the best possible environment: where the parent/guardian and teacher work closely together, giving the student loving encouragement.

The Suzuki method offers children and parents/guardians a unique opportunity to develop their relationship and share the joy of music together.

Learn more: Comparing Suzuki with traditional instruction

Start your string journey!

ENROLL IN SUZUKI

MORE INFO

Suzuki v. Traditional
Instruction
Meet the
Suzuki Faculty
Traditional
Lessons
Start your musical journey today with lessons, classes, camps, or ensembles! Enroll

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Locations

Westmoreland Circle (Main Office)
One Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-320-2770

Office hours: 10 am–6 pm, Mon–Fri


Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd
Glen Echo, MD 20812
301-634-2250

Front desk hours: 10 am–6 pm, Mon–Thu


info@washingtonconservatory.org


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The Washington Conservatory of Music is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County.

Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County

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