About Huntsville Suzuki School

The Huntsville Suzuki School was founded in 1991 with 1 violin teacher and 7 students. Since then, the School has grown to over 70 students on violin, viola and cello , ages 4-18 years of age. Following the teachings of Japanese educator and violinist, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the School offers private and group instruction in an extensive program including two orchestras, an outreach program, and classes in chamber music and music theory. Students have benefited from master classes from some of Canada’s finest musicians, including the Penderecki, Borealis and Alcan String Quartets as well as leading violinists Jasper Wood and Nancy Dahn. Beginning this 2006 / 2007 school year, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering piano instruction as well.

The Huntsville Suzuki School of Music is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. The School is governed by a Board of Directors, including both parents and teachers from the School. All parents are expected to volunteer for a one-year position on the Executive at some time during their child’s enrolment in the School.

Teachers are required to follow the teachings and philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and have training in the Suzuki method, as well as being proficient on their instrument.

The School

Lessons

• 36 private lessons per year
• 18 group lessons per year
• a minimum of one solo recital
  
  

Fee Schedule

A registration form must be submitted each spring for the following September.

Lesson scheduling is done by the individual teachers and is distributed over the summer.

Changes to individual lesson times must be submitted to the School in writing or email by September 1.

Fees for individual student lessons and group lessons are made out directly to the Director in the form of 10 post-dated cheques dated the first of each month.

An annual school membership fee, made out directly to the Huntsville Suzuki School, is deposited into the School account.

Workshops, orchestra, chamber coaching, theory, masterclass sessions and/or rehearsals, festival rehearsals and performances are not included.

Group Lessons

Group lessons are compulsory
Each student will paticipate in:

• 18 groups per year, including the opening Play In (when applicable),
• Christmas Group, Final Concert and Rehearsal.

Students absent from 2 group lessons, may be requested to withdraw from School.

New Students

New students will begin in either September or February of each year depending on teacher availability.

Prospective students are placed on a waiting list in the order in which their applications are received.

All interested parents are sent information about the school and encouraged to observe private and group lessons.

A new parents meeting is held prior to beginning lessons and a sizing session is arranged.

Parents are required to participate in a minimum of two new parents meetings in the fall.

Scheduling

Students will be assigned to their individual and group teachers by the Artistic Director.

Missed Lessons

Only ‘teacher canceled’ lessons will be made up (at a suitable time for both parties) or refunded. There is no refund for student canceled lessons. For regular ‘missed’ lessons, parents are encouraged to switch lesson times with another family.

Refund Policy Upon Withdrawal

School Fees are non refundable. Teacher Fees are refundable if a student withdraws before Feb 1 with 60 days notice.

Temporary Absence

Students who are registered but must begin lessons after the opening in September or who are temporarily during the year, will be required to pay the regular fees to ensure a place for them in the schedule when they return.

Orchestra

Students will be invited or asked to audition for orchestra, depending on the teaching policy as set out by the teachers. Orchestra membership is optional and requires an additional fee paid directly to the School.