Group class in addition to private lessons is a cornerstone of the Suzuki method. Students who participate in group and private lessons advance through the repertoire at a faster pace and have more fun while doing so! Group learning reinforces the musical and technical concepts taught in private lessons while introducing the social aspect of music making and building ensemble skills. We find that the motivation students receive from each other in group classes often goes farther than that of the teacher or parent. The encouragement and support of a community of teachers, parents, and peers is part of what makes South Side Suzuki so special for our students.
Violin Classes
Beginner Class: This class is geared towards any student who has not yet completed their twinkle variations. No violin experience is necessary to enroll in this class. Private lessons in addition to group class are required. This class is taught by Andrew Miller at 8:30 on Saturdays.
Suzuki Book 1 Class: This class is geared towards any student working in Suzuki book 1. Private lessons in addition to group class are required. This class is taught by Andrew Miller at 9am on Saturdays.
Suzuki Book 2 Class: This class geared towards violinist currently in Suzuki book 2. Private lessons in addition is group class are required. This class taught by Hilary Butler at 10am on Saturdays.
Suzuki Book 3 Class: This class geared towards violinist currently in Suzuki book 3. Private lessons in addition to group class are required. This class taught by Hilary Butler at 11am on Saturdays.
Suzuki Book 4 Class: This class geared towards violinist currently in Suzuki book 4. Private lessons in addition to group class are required. This class taught by Hilary Butler at 12pm on Saturdays.
Violin Choir: This class is geared towards violinist who have completed Suzuki Book 4 and are not quite ready for our most advanced Performance Class yet. This class meets on select Saturdays at 3pm and is team taught by Andrew Miller and Hilary Butler.
Cello Classes
Suzuki Cello: This class is geared towards beginner cellists through book 4 and focuses on basic technique as well as the Suzuki repertoire. Please inquire with your teacher whether this class or Cello Choir is appropriate for you. Suzuki Cello is taught by Rebekah Dotzel and meets on Tuesdays at 6:30pm.
Cello Choir: This class is geared towards our more advanced cello students and focuses on ensemble skills. Please inquire with your teacher whether this class or Suzuki Cello is appropriate for you. This class is taught by Rebekah Dotzel and meets at 7:30pm on Tuesdays.
Other classes
Performance Class: Performance Class is designed to give our most advanced students the opportunity to collaborate with each other, accompanists, and guest artists. Each class students will perform a solo in which they will receive feedback from their peers as well as SSSC faculty and guests. We will also rehearse advanced violin ensemble pieces. The goal of this class is to foster a sense of confidence and mastery of the stage once our students have graduated from the traditional Suzuki group classes. This class meets on select Saturdays and is team taught by Hilary Butler and Andrew Miller.
Note Reading Class: This multi-level class is geared towards violinists in late Suzuki book 1 and up. This class is taught by Andrew Miller from 4:30 - 5pm on Wednesdays.
Multi-Level Multi-Instrument Class: This class accepts students of all levels and even instruments! This class is intended for students who are unable to attend their level appropriate Suzuki class. Students are welcome to drop in for this class if they missed their regular class because of illness, conflict, travel, or other reasons. This can be a students regular weekly group class if necessary, however, our level appropriate classes should always be your first choice. This class is taught by Hilary Butler on Wednesdays at 5pm.
Chamber Ensembles: This class is geared towards intermediate and advanced violinists, violists, and cellists. Limited spots are available. Please inquire with your instructor before registering for this class.
Repertoire Class
Repertoire Class meets once a month and is our chance to get everyone together to rehearse for our large group concerts (Play-In’s) that occur in December and June each year. The more repertoire you know the longer you can expect to stay at Repertoire Class. Beginner and early book 1 students will likely be there for 10 - 15 minutes. Our most advanced students should plan for a maximum of 2 hours. These classes are essential to present a successful concert at the end of each semester. Therefore, students are required to attend a given number of classes each term. There is no need to register for these classes. All SSSC students are automatically enrolled. Repertoire Class dates can be found on the calendar page of this website.