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, 2026, and runs through May 31st, 2026.(19 weeks) There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 7th, 2026. The recital will be May 31st, 2026 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, 2026, and runs through May 31st 2026. (19 Weeks) There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 7th, 2026. The recital will be May 31st, 2026 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.(19 Weeks) There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 7th, 2025. The recital will be May 31st at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.

All levels Violin and Cello Group Class ONLY:

For students in all levels.. 

Suzuki Group Classes:

The concept of group classes is central to the Suzuki philosophy and its unified repertoire of music. Group classes are complementary to private lessons and equally important to the child’s development. They are meant to build confidence, practice and review skills learned in private lessons, learn new skills through already mastered pieces, build ensemble skills, explore other genres outside of the classical canon, and to build community. Instructors keep group classes fun and light by playing musical games and team building activities. Parents are expected to attend group class with their children and while parental involvement is less focused, observers can offer the praise and support that makes any learning more productive. (Pre-requisite: Private lessons with any teacher in the community or online.)

All levels Violin and Cello Group Class Schedule:

Suzuki Winter/Spring Term: 19 weeks from January 8th  - May 28th.  No classes the week of Spring Break March 26th and April 2nd Group classes will run on Thursdays at 4pm, 4:45pm, and 5:30pm.  Our recital will be May 31 at 3:00 pm. 

4:00-4:40: Book 2 & 3 Class

4:45-5:25: Beginner/Twinkle Class and Early Book One Class

5:30-6:10: Late Book One Class

Come practice your guitar skills in a safe and friendly environment. All skill levels and ages are welcome; however, participants should know basic major chords and some minor chords. Other musicians with different acoustic instruments—such as piano, hand drums, or harmonicas—are also invited to join in, though primary instruction will focus on the guitar.

We will practice popular songs and learn to play alongside other guitarists by identifying song structures, learning new chords, and developing guitar techniques. Lyrics and chords for songs from multiple genres will be projected on a large screen.

If you don’t own a guitar, we may be able to arrange equipment with prior notice. Please email cms@tcphil.org for details.

Tuition: $150 for the full 10-week session. Tuition assistance is available—please contact us for more information. 

Dates: Mondays, 7:30–9:30 PM

January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, and 16

Prelude String Orchestra

Directed by Michael McLean

The Traverse City Philharmonic Civic String Orchestra programs provide the opportunity for community string instrumentalists to play in a non-professional orchestra with musicians of all ages.  

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

PRELUDE - WINTER 2026

January 13 - March 17 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

Concert on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 7:00 pm

Prelude is an early orchestra experience for players of all ages. Members should have at least one year of instruction and be able to play the notes on all 4 strings. 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. 

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

January 13 – March 19 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. 

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

January 13 – March 19 | 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.