30 Minute Private Suzuki Lesson:

The Private Suzuki lesson lies at the heart of the learning process. Since a young child needs structure and support, parents come to every lesson, take detailed notes and discuss the lesson with the teacher. The parent takes the techniques learned and provides a home environment in which they can be practiced daily. The parent is expected to be the home practice partner. In this way, the parent is able to ensure that the child is able to repeat the goals of the private lesson every day and can help shepherd the child towards productive and self-reflective learning. Lessons take place each week and last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on a child's age and level of experience.​​

About the Suzuki Method:The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy of renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language.  He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment.  Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world.

This term begins January 5, 2025, and runs through May 31, 2024. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23-29, 2025. The recital will be June 1 at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.

45 Minute Private Suzuki Lesson:

The Private Suzuki lesson lies at the heart of the learning process. Since a young child needs structure and support, parents come to every lesson, take detailed notes and discuss the lesson with the teacher. The parent takes the techniques learned and provides a home environment in which they can be practiced daily. The parent is expected to be the home practice partner. In this way, the parent is able to ensure that the child is able to repeat the goals of the private lesson every day and can help shepherd the child towards productive and self-reflective learning. Lessons take place each week and last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on a child's age and level of experience.​​

About the Suzuki Method:The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy of renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language.  He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment.  Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world.

This term begins January 5, 2025, and runs through May 31, 2024. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23-29, 2025. The recital will be June 1 at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.

60 Minute Private Suzuki Lesson:

The Private Suzuki lesson lies at the heart of the learning process. Since a young child needs structure and support, parents come to every lesson, take detailed notes and discuss the lesson with the teacher. The parent takes the techniques learned and provides a home environment in which they can be practiced daily. The parent is expected to be the home practice partner. In this way, the parent is able to ensure that the child is able to repeat the goals of the private lesson every day and can help shepherd the child towards productive and self-reflective learning. Lessons take place each week and last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on a child's age and level of experience.​​

About the Suzuki Method:The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy of renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language.  He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment.  Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world.

This term begins January 5, 2025, and runs through May 31, 2024. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23-29, 2025. The recital will be June 1 at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

January 7, 2025 – March 11, 2025 | Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm 

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Prelude Chamber Music rehearses from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The winter Chamber Music Concert will be held on Tuesday, March 11th.

Prelude String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The TC Phil Civic String Orchestra programs provides the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Prelude String Orchestra take place on Tuesdays at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $150 per semester. 

PRELUDE - WINTER 2024

January 7, 2025 - March 9, 2025 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

Please note, the Concert is Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 pm at the City Opera House. 

Prelude is an early orchestra experience for players of all ages. Members should have at least one year of instruction and have been introduced to note-reading prior to joining. This ensemble may also be a great entry point for adult beginners or those who have been away from their instruments for a number of years. 

Audition Information

Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude String Orchestra will be held as needed, please contact cms@tcphil.org to schedule. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

January 7, 2025 – March 11, 2025 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

This program is for individuals who would like to play in a small ensemble, working on chamber music performing techniques and repertoire. Rehearsals focus on the concept of playing together in a different texture and sound, with one or two players on a part depending on the ensemble: duos, trios, quartets and larger groups. Sinfonia Chamber Music rehearses from 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. The winter Chamber Music Concert will be held on Tuesday, March 11th.

Sinfonia String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The TC Phil Civic String Orchestras provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra takes place on Tuesdays at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. $150 per semester.  

Sinfonia String Orchestra- Winter 2025

January 7, 2025 - March 9, 2025 | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Please note, the concert is on Sunday, March 9, 2025 3:00 pm at the City Opera House. 

Sinfonia is an advanced string orchestra for players of violin, viola, cello and bass. Members must possess solid technical and music-reading skills. Typical members will have studied a minimum of 3 years, have a private instructor and play in school, church or other community ensembles. 

Audition Information

Auditions for placement in either Sinfonia or Prelude Strings will be held as needed, please email cms@tcphil.,org to schedule. Please prepare a scale and solo that demonstrates your highest level of playing. Returning members do not need to audition unless you would like to move to a different ensemble or if you would like a leadership position.

The Horn Club is an ensemble for horn players in the greater Grand Traverse area of Michigan.  It is created to provide a space for horn players to express their musical talents and share enthusiasm for the horn.  Players of all ages and levels of experience are welcome. Come join the horn fun!

Dates: January 8 and 22, February 5 and 19, March 5 and 19, April 2, 16, and 30, May 7 and 21

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Traverse City Philharmonic Hall