Starting Lessons In September and January

•

Starting Lessons in September and January

•

Starting lessons in September and January

•

Starting Lessons In September and January • Starting Lessons in September and January • Starting lessons in September and January •

how to join our school

We start new groups of students together in September and January. We accept as many students as we can accommodate based on the availability of our teachers. You can reach out to us at any time via our interest form to join the waitlist. We will pull from our waitlist on a first come, first served basis.

1.LEARN ABOUT THE SUZUKI PHILOSOPHY AND OUR SCHOOL

We encourage families to learn as much as they can about the Suzuki Method and our school before enrolling. The Suzuki Method emphasizes parent involvement, daily practice, and an encouraging environment. We believe every child can learn to play an instrument.

We use the following process to make sure the Suzuki Method is the perfect fit for your family.

2. SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM

Take five minutes to complete our Interest Form. The more information you can provide about your background and availability, the easier it will be for us to match you with a teacher who is a good fit!

You will receive a confirmation that your form was submitted. Our registrar will reach out via email with information about next steps.

3. OBSERVE LESSONS AND TALKS

You will be invited to observe several group classes, individual lessons, and even a concert if possible. This is to help you and your child develop a vision of what playing, performing, practicing, and taking a lesson look like before you start.

Our Co-Directors, Sarah and Drake, lead three talks for new Suzuki families in September and January. We use the talks to introduce you to other parents getting started, overview the aspects of the Suzuki Method to incorporate at home right away, and answer any questions.

4. REGISTER AND SCHEDULE LESSONS

Once you have completed your interest form and observations we will introduce you to one of our individual teachers to finalize your weekly lesson time. At that point you will be invited to join our Saturday morning group classes and attend all ISME events!

Kaori Teramura, parent of an ISME cellist

“Ithaca Suzuki Music Education is the place where my son discovered his passion and love for playing music with others. Through his orchestra experiences at ISME, he has grown musically and personally as a whole person.

There are so many important lessons taking place at ISME... developing a good discipline, learning to be a good listener and a responsible community member, while having fun through sharing music, etc.

I so much value and appreciate teachers at ISME, who sincerely care about each student. Their ongoing support and encouragement have helped my son grow beyond his comfort zone and keep following his passion.

ISME has been such a nurturing community for both of us. Thank you so much!”

FAQ’s

  • They are rarely too young, and never too old, to Twinkle. We take students as early as age three. The best opportunity to gauge readiness is to attend our “Jumpstart Twinkle” program hosted in August. Students interact with instruments, teachers, and other children in a music class environment and teachers can guide you to decide if this is the right year to start.

  • Parents, or closest caregivers, play an essential role to the Suzuki Method. Parents attend every lesson and group class, play the reference recordings at home, and set the tone for home learning with a rich musical environment. As the child grows, the role of the parent changes, but it never diminishes.

  • No. Your individual teacher will guide you in selecting your first instrument.

  • Students at ISME will have the opportunity to work with every faculty member through group classes, workshops, play-ins, and concerts. An individual teacher will be chosen at the beginning of study based on availability.

Josephine Ennis, parent of an ISME violinist

“Participating in this music school for the last two years has been a joyful and enriching experience for our family.

The teachers are incredible, and I appreciate the sense of community we have found at ISME.

Our daughter is learning how to play violin beautifully, but even more importantly, she is learning so much about persistence, coping with challenges, respect for her teachers and instrument, and adapting to group dynamics.

I highly recommend this school for local families.”