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More about Suzuki Guitar

We now offer Suzuki Guitar lessons at Silver Music!

We are excited to have guitarist, João Kouyoumdjian, join our faculty this January 2019, teaching private lessons, and Guitar Readiness for young beginners.

There is noticeable crossover between the Suzuki violin/viola/cello repertoire and guitar repertoire. For those children who have been in our RSP classes, many will recognize some of the early guitar repertoire as we sing these pieces and rhythms in our current classes. Regardless of your child’s background, Suzuki Guitar Book 1 starts with pieces most children know already, including Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Frere Jacques and progresses to works by Purcell and Bach by the end of Book 1.

Because the guitar is such a well-known instrument in pop culture and world music, families may be confused about what it means to study “Suzuki” guitar. Students studying Suzuki guitar are learning classical guitar. This style is non-electric, and instruments are wooden with nylon strings (not steel); students use a footstool for proper posture. Suzuki guitar students begin by learning melodies, not chords. As students progress they learn to play the melody and accompaniment on the guitar, similar to the way piano students begin just by learning a melody before adding an accompaniment or variations. There are currently 9 volumes of Suzuki guitar ending with the Sor Variations on a Theme of Mozart and Albeniz Austurias, encompassing music throughout 5 centuries in an organized progression.

Beginning a student on Suzuki guitar will give them the skills and foundation to be able to play a variety of repertoire on guitar, including non-classical. Suzuki develops a student’s ear to be able to relate to music naturally, and carefully builds technique around manageable goals–helping the student gain mastery. Wherever you see yourself, or your child, going with guitar–a Suzuki foundation can help you get there!

Click Here to watch The Sound of Success an informative introduction to Suzuki guitar created by the SAA Guitar Committee.


Email us at silvermusic@silvermusic.org to learn more! We currently have availability on Wednesdays for private lessons and Readiness.

2021-2022 Tuition

INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM TUITION
September 11, 2021-June 12, 2022

Tuition applies to string, flute, and piano students. All instrumental students participate in a weekly group class in addition to their private lesson. ($80/semester is deducted from the tuition listed below for beginning string and flute students to account for a shorter group class.)

2021-2022 Fall Saturday (14 weeks) Spring (17 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1594, Spring $1822
45 min + Group Class: Fall $1,916, Spring $2213
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,210, Spring $2570

2021-2022 Sunday (14 weeks) Spring (17 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1594, Spring $1822
45 min + Group Class: Fall $1,916, Spring $2213
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,210, Spring $2570

2021-2022 Monday (16) Spring (16 weeks) 
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1,746, Spring $1746
45 min + Group Class: Fall $2114, Spring $2114
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,450, Spring $2450

2021-2022 Tuesday (16 weeks) Spring (18 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1,746, Spring $1898
45 min + Group Class: Fall $2,114, Spring $2312
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,450, Spring $2690

2021-2022 Wednesday (15 weeks) Spring (18 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1,670, Spring $1898
45 min + Group Class: Fall $2015, Spring $2312
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,330, Spring $2690

2021-2022 Thursday (14) Spring (18 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1,594, Spring $1898
45 min + Group Class: Fall $1,916, Spring $2312
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,210, Spring $2690

2021-2022 Friday (15 weeks) Spring (17 weeks)
30 min + Group Class: Fall $1,670, Spring $1822
45 min + Group Class: Fall $2015, Spring $2213
60 min + Group Class: Fall $2,330, Spring $2570

ADDITIONAL FEES and Other Important Information for ALL INSTRUMENTAL STUDENTS:
Yearly Registration fee, billed in April for upcoming year: $65/year
Fall and Spring Recital fee, billed on each invoice: $50/semester
Festival fee, billed on Spring Tuition Invoices: $50/year
Sibling Discount: 10% off for siblings for all lessons, classes, camps

Graduation/Book Recitals:
These optional performances are billed at the following rates
$275 fee for string recitals held at Silver Music, includes piano accomp., teacher fee, and space rental
$175 fee for piano recitals held at Silver Music, includes teacher fee and space rental
$175 for string recitals at another location, includes piano accompaniment and teacher fee
$75 for piano recitals at another location, includes teacher fee
$50 for Zoom recitals, includes teacher fee

Additional
Your semester tuition is based on the day and length of your lesson and includes group classes.
You may elect to pay the each semester balance in full or in installments.
Please note there will not be an additional charge with credit card transactions. If you wish to pay by check, please be sure to submit payment by the due date.
Students are welcome to arrange for “extra” lessons with their teacher outside of our academic calendar. The cost for individual extra lessons is below:
$76/30 minute lesson
$99/45 minute lesson
$120/60 minute lesson
Sibling discounts may be applied. Extra lessons will be billed through Silver Music on a monthly basis.

 

Music Storytime 5/23

Join us for Music Storytime at 4:00pm led by our flute teacher, Zara Lawler, and joined by our RSP and Violin/Viola teacher, Molly Goldman! This event is designed for young children to experience stories coming to life through music. Come celebrate books and music with us for just $10/family!

CLICK HERE to register!

2020-2021 Honors

Congratulations to our online 2020-2021 Twinkle Grads!:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 


Congratulations for our Spring 2021 Book Recital Graduates!












Congratulations to our Spring 2021 Practice Challenge Participants!

250+ Minutes

Cassius N, piano
Leo C, piano
Liam D, piano
Tatem N, viola
Liv N, viola
Sylvie S, violin
Tessa N, violin
Liam P, violin
Gabriel W, violin
Clara W, violin
Lara L, violin

500+ Minutes:
Camilo A, cello
Sebby K, cello
Liam F, piano
William Z, piano
Ian D, piano
Sarina M, piano
Elizabeth L, piano
Catherine K, piano
Julia D, violin
Cora T, violin
Sybil T, violin
Nuri A, violin

1000+ Minutes:
Ollie W, cello
Anya E, cello
Francie L, cello
Marlowe W, flute
Roger R, piano
Roxanna R, piano
Max I, piano
Cecilia G, piano

1500+ Minutes:
Samson C-W, cello
Alexander T, piano
Claire Y, piano
Syam J, piano
Frida C-W, viola
Tristan V, violin
Suzanna A, violin
Elsa C-W, violin
Charlotte C, violin
Remi W, violin
Clara M, violin
Emily M, violin
Debbie T, violin
Felix V, violin

March Playing Party

Join us for our March Playing Party!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. Please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

Open to all instruments, ages, and levels!
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021
Time: 5:00pm
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom

Faculty Feature: Blythe

Blythe Bonnaffons is Program Director at Silver Music. Here is a bit of insight into her early study:

Age you began studying:
I began flute in fourth grade through my school’s band program and began taking private flute lessons that summer. I also started taking piano lessons around the same time. 

Why did you choose the flute?
I thought it was the most beautiful instrument and I had a hard time understanding why anyone would NOT choose to play the flute if they heard it (played well). I still feel that way!

One memory from your lessons or early study:
One of the only negatives of playing a woodwind instrument is that you cannot LAUGH. I loved the social aspect of playing in band and in chamber ensembles but not laughing was a challenge throughout my early flute-playing life. Goofy rehearsals sometimes led to barely making it through a performance. And a couple times I didn’t make it. I have a pretty vivid memory of a NYSSMA flute trio that ended as a solo because two of us were behind our stands laughing. 

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I didn’t mind practicing, but in middle and high school it was really challenging finding the time. Like many of our Silver Music students, I had a lot going on in school, and after school, and I was exhausted! Being consistent helped–if I could get in practice most days, even for just 10 minutes, it felt like I had kept a promise to myself and it was way easier to keep going. Of course concerts, recitals, and auditions, definitely motivated me too.  

Did you ever want to quit?
I never did! Flute felt like a big part of my identity.

Current Favorite Suzuki Piece:
Humoresque. I’m glad that almost all the Suzuki students at Silver Music (violin, viola, cello, flute) learn this piece because I enjoy hearing everyone play it!

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing flute?
In the pandemic, I have enjoyed getting outside and hiking almost every weekend. During this time I’m also catching up on iconic series that I’ve somehow missed up until to this point. I’ve now watched all of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and I’m halfway through the seventh Harry Potter book.

Donate

If you’d like make a monetary contribution to our school, please submit this Donation Form. Thank you!

We happily accept donated instruments, sheet music, and supplies too!

December Playing Party

Join us for our December Playing Party!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. Please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

December 21: Open to all ages and levels!
Date: Monday, Dec. 21, 2020*
Time: 8:00am
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom

*This month’s playing party is held on a Monday morning! December 21 is the last day of Silver Music classes before break, and the first official day of winter. Come celebrate the Winter solstice with music!

November Playing Parties

For the month of November, we’ll be hosting TWO Playing Parties!

Playing Parties are an opportunity for students to come share music and support their peers! Everyone is invited to perform a piece for the group, or join just to listen. For either party, please RSVP to silvermusic@silvermusic.org to receive the Zoom link.

Details below:

Nov 1: Open to all ages and levels!
Date: Sunday, November 1
Time: 5:00pm
Host: Ellen Silver
Location: Zoom
Halloween costumes encouraged!

Nov 8: Open to students 6th grade and up
Date: Sunday, November 1
Time: 5:00pm
Hosts: Sam & Arianna (Silver Music HS Students)
Location: Zoom 
This is a BINGO Playing Party with prizes! Come play your instrument AND play Bingo!

Faculty Feature: Emily

Emily Wilcox teaches Ready, Set, Play! classes at Silver Music. Here is a little insight into her early study:

Age you began studying: 
I was 3 years old when I started violin, 4 when I started piano, and 9 when I started trumpet.

Why did you choose the violin?
My mom and older sister played violin, and my mom was also an orchestra and Suzuki teacher, so I think I was naturally drawn to it just from so much exposure!

Did you always like to practice? If not, how did you, or your parent motivate you to practice?
I definitely did not always like to practice, especially in late elementary school and middle school. During these years, I saw practicing as a chore and my parents usually had to nag me to do it. It was challenging to motivate myself to practice after a long day of school and hours of homework because I just wanted to relax! What helped motivate me most during these years was having goals for myself or musical events to look forward to and work towards such as performances, summer music camps, competitions, and regional festivals (like area all-state and conference all-state).

How did music education affect your life?
Music education has played a huge role in my life. Both of my parents were music teachers, so my sisters and I all grew up with a great appreciation for the arts. My parents always nurtured my artistic and creative endeavors, but encouraged me to pursue whatever career path I wanted. So much of what I’ve learned from music education has helped me become a more empathetic, compassionate, and driven person and has given me invaluable life skills.

Do you have a musical role model?
My biggest role models are some of the music teachers and mentors I had between both my music education and music therapy training. I can think of a few who really stand out to me because they are not only incredible musicians and people, but are incredible teachers/music therapists too.

What else do you enjoy doing besides playing violin?
I love making jewelry, going for walks, exploring new places, and cooking! I also like doing photography or painting sometimes if I’m feeling inspired.