Suzuki Classes
Mary Margaret Wilson
Director
Emme Whisner
Administrative Assistant
Suzuki Piano, Guitar, Violin, Viola
Developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki approach is a unique method for teaching young children to play musical instruments. The CMS Suzuki teachers are all Tier 3, professional instructors who have been trained by registered Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) teacher trainers. Suzuki instruction is currently offered in guitar, piano, violin, and viola. Children as young as four years old may register for Suzuki instruction.
What is Suzuki? How is Suzuki instruction different from traditional instruction?
Dr. Suzuki believed that the principles of how children learned to speak their native language could be applied to learning music. He called his method the “mother-tongue approach.”
Core Tenets
- Learn by ear first, then read notation - like how we learn languages
- Listening to music is key to learning to play music
- Family involvement and sense of community
- Participation in group classes and recitals in addition to weekly lessons (group classes are 60 minutes, weekly lessons are 30 minutes)
- All students learn the same repertoire, taught in a sequential curriculum, culminating in key technical skills and high-level musical concepts
Triangle of Instruction
- Weekly lessons with student, guardian, teacher
- Guided home practice (adult guides child)
- Group classes & Performances (currently no group classes for piano students)
Parent involvement leads to the child’s success!
- Required parent involvement:
- Attend weekly lesson and group classes
- Be an engaged learner in lessons
- Guide child’s practice sessions at home
- Recommended parent education:
- Parent resources from Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA): Articles for Parents
- Nurtured by Love (book)
Committing to a Suzuki program means that parents and students will:
- Attend weekly lessons (30-minutes per lesson)
- Attend group classes (frequency varies per studio, typically ranging from once a month to bi weekly, 60 minutes per class)
- Commit to home practicing
- Perform in recitals
Please review the Suzuki Association website for more information.
I’d like to enroll, what is my next step?
- Piano Students: We are on a waitlist! Please complete the Suzuki piano waitlist form.
- Guitar, Violin and Viola: registration is available today! Before registering for weekly lessons, we encourage you to first register for a trial lesson to gain a deeper understanding of the method (follow prompts in registration).
Instruments
Students must provide their own instrument for lessons (except for piano) and have access to a practice instrument at home. An acoustic instrument is required. Digital or electronic instruments are not acceptable nor are electric or acoustic steel string guitars acceptable. The Community Music School and the UD School of Music do not rent or sell instruments. There are several local companies that have instrument purchase and rental programs. Please reach out to communitymusicschool@udel.edu if you need recommendations on obtaining an instrument.
Tuition
The tuition reflects a full semester of weekly lessons, group classes and recitals. Tuition rates may vary per studio and/or per semester, pending the number of scheduled group classes. Tuition is non-refundable.
Registration
- Piano Students: Tuition does not include group classes, as group classes are currently not offered in the piano studio. When registering, please be sure to select the class titled "Piano, Suzuki Piano."
- Guitar Students: New students as of Fall 2026 are required to attend weekly lessons AND monthly group classes. You must register for each offering. When registering, be sure to select the classes titled "Guitar, Suzuki Guitar, Music Theory and Composition" and "Suzuki Guitar Group Class."
- Violin/Viola Students: All students are required to attend weekly lessons AND monthly group classes. The tuition in row 3 reflects both of those offerings. When registering, be sure to select "Suzuki Violin."
| Program | Structure | Fall 2026 (12 weeks, 9/7/26–12/19/26) | Winter 2027 (5 weeks, 1/4/27–2/7/27) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Weekly 30 minute private lesson | $399 | $175 |
| Monthly 60-minute group class | $40 | n/a | |
| Violin/Viola | Weekly 30-minute private lesson and biweekly 60-minute group class | $449 (12 lessons, 5 group classes) | $195 (5 lessons/3 group classes) |
| Piano | Weekly 30-minute private lesson (currently no group class) | $399 | $175 |
Piano Students: Group classes are currently not offered in the piano studio.
Guitar Students: New students as of Fall 2026 are required to attend weekly lessons AND monthly group classes. Please review information in the Tuition & Registration tab.
Violin/Viola Students: All students are required to attend weekly lessons AND monthly group classes. Please review information in the Tuition & Registration tab.
In addition to one 30-minute private lesson each week, Suzuki students will participate in biweekly or monthly 60-minute group lessons. Group class scheduling is based on teacher availability and will be communicated to families at the beginning of each semester. Students will join a supportive community, learn how to play in an ensemble setting and advance their music theory knowledge and technical skills.
- Guitar Instructor: Kevin Cope
- Piano Instructor: Lydia Bak
- Violin/Viola Instructor: Bonnie von Duyke
After the Community Music School office receives your registration and payment, the instructors will contact parents/students directly to set up a lesson schedule and confirm group class dates.
