| Well, it is that time again. No, not thinking about your New Year resolutions list;
thinking about attending a Summer Suzuki Institute!
This year, rather than telling you why I as a TEACHER think it is a good
idea to attend an institute, I thought I would get feedback from PARENTS
and STUDENTS who have attended one. So here we go!
“There are many things we enjoy about attending a summer institute. One
benefit is my kids’ renewed excitement about music and determination to
improve. Because we have attended the same institute for 4 years, we
have made many friends with whom we are in touch throughout the year,
and look forward to seeing every summer.”
Sami Flanagan, mother of violinists Lucas, Hagan, and Tatum
“The summer institute is really great because you learn so much seeing the
advanced violin players”
Gia Fredisdorf, violin student
“Through the years Charlie and Emma have attended the following
institutes for cello and violin; all of these institutes are strong for both
instruments.
Chicago Suzuki Institute in Deerfield (and yes, we stayed - try not to
commute and book a hotel)
Southwest Ontario Suzuki Institute, Canada
Ithaca Suzuki Institute, New York
When the kids were little we signed up just because our teachers told us
we should. I had no idea the impact it would have on our family. You meet
so many incredible people. It was even more fun for the institutes we did
year after year. First your kids make friends with musicians from around
the world - Bermuda, Puerto Rico, China, Brazil, Canada, friends from the
United States - California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Chicago - and
those same little kids will show up in their lives in high school. It is really
quite amazing. You meet the amazing Suzuki teachers from across the
world and realize the community you are a part of. We bonded with our
fellow WSSTE Suzuki friends and cherish all of the fun we had. Raising
your kids in a musical community is one of the healthiest loving gifts you
can give your child. My kids cherish their musical friends and we share so
many great memories. And one immediate bonus for parents is that the
kids come home excited about their instruments and they practice a ton. If
you find you are nagging your child to practice, get them to an institute. It
does wonders for their motivation!”
Jill Mueller, mother of Emma (violin) and Charlie (cello)
“I watched as teachers genuinely connected with students at a multitude of
levels. The instructors not only helped to solidify the strong foundation with
which students arrived at the institute, but further guided and challenged
students’ development in technique and musicality.”
Rhonda Wrenn, mother of violin students Meryl and Elizabeth
“I liked learning the stories about the notes and learning about the treble
clef. I liked ice skating, playing in the fountain, and eating pizza.”
Wyatt Crossan, violin student
“I liked that you can learn a lot and improve. And I liked the pool and ice
skating.”
Alex Crossan, violin student
“We love institutes because we get to spend special time together focusing
on violin for the whole week. Four classes a day is exciting because they
all focus on something different. The teachers are wonderful and very
nurturing. It also reinforces all that the home teacher does and says in the
lessons. We love it!”
Sarah Torrenga, mother of violinist Elliana, and WSSTE Violin Faculty
Now that you have read about the wonderful experiences, learning and
friendship that happen at a Summer Institute, what is your next step? Go
to the Suzuki Association of the Americas website, suzukiassociation.org,
and look for where and when an institute might fit into your family’s summer
schedule. Institutes happen from June to August, and in just about every
state, including Alaska and Hawaii.