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Suzuki Program

Suzuki Instruction for the Very Young (age 3 and older)
The Academy offers an extensive Suzuki program for young children in violin, viola & cello. A free 30 minutes interview with the director is scheduled, in order to determine the appropriate lesson length & teacher, and readiness for the program. The program includes a weekly private lesson and a group class. The weekly junior music theory class is optional. The Suzuki method is a joyful, step by step approach to learning music, which emphasizes parental involvement in a friendly and social environment. Parents will bond with their children through learning. Together they will explore the early steps of music making. A highlight includes participation in the School for Strings spring festival performance in Manhattan, in addition to Academy workshops, recitals and concerts.   An instrument rental program is available to Academy students.

Pre-twinkle Violin Group Class:
Sundays 12 noon - Teacher:  Monica Belher
This fun child-friendly class explores fundamental violin posture, ear training and Twinkle rhythms.  Concepts are reinforced through games in a structured social & joyful  environment.

Pre-twinkle Cello Group Class:
Tuesdays 5:30PM - Teacher:  Rebeccah Parker-Downs
Just like the violin group class, kids explore fundamental cello posture, ear training and Twinkle rhythms.  Concepts are reinforced through games in a social & joyful environment.

Intermediate Violin Group Class - Suzuki and Beyond
This class incorporates review of Suzuki books I, II and III materials while expanding the students’ knowledge of scales and technique appropriate to this playing level. Materials are reviewed with specific practice goals, in order to encourage a more advanced performance of review pieces, and to progress by solidifying and building on learned repertoire. In addition, this class will develop a thorough knowledge of most Major 2 octave scales, as well as a thorough introduction to minor scales. Students will begin to work with harmony (several parts at once), in preparation for the chamber music program. An important element for this class is the development of note-reading skills.

Private lesson schedule pending on parent request & teacher availability; lesson length varies & is determined by interview

Instrument Rental Program:
The Academy rents out quality instruments in small sizes for young beginners.  In order to rent an instrument, please fill out the enclosed rental form and send it to the Academy with the yearly rental fee of $150 (check made payable to the Port Jefferson Music Academy).  Students are sized periodically, and instruments are changed when needed throughout the year.