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:

SuzukiFall Term: 12 weeks from September 8th-December 6th.  No classes the week of Thanksgiving. Group classes will run on Thursdays again at 5pm, 5:45pm, and 6:30pm.  Our recital will be December 6th at 3:00 pm. 

5:00 - 5:45 pm Pre-Twinkle Class

5:45 - 6:30 Book One Class

6:30 - 7:15 Book Two Class

Chamber Music Program coached and directed by Gary Gatzke Jr. 

September 23 – December 4 | 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.

Prelude String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The TSO 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 - FALL 2025

September 23 - December 2, 2024 | Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45 pm

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 Tuesday, September 16, 4-7 p.m. at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email, aaleo@tcphil.org, to schedule an audition. 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. 

September 23 – December 4 2024 | 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. 

Sinfonia String Orchestra

Directed by Lynne Tobin

The TSO 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- FALL 2025

September 23 - December 2, 2024 | Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

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 Tuesday, September 16, 4-7 p.m. at Traverse City Philharmonic Center. Please email, aaleo@tcphil.org to schedule an audition. 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.

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 June 1st, 2026. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 5th, 2026. The recital will be June 2, 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 June 1st, 2026. There will be no lessons or group class for Spring Break March 23- April 5th, 2026. The recital will be June 2, 2026 at 3:00 pm. 

Lessons to be schedule individually with the Private Instructor.