Scroll down to learn more and/or register for the Suzuki Program, including:
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FEES AND REGISTRATION
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Information Payment is processed by Visa/MasterCard, or debit account.
Group class payment is through the MNjcc and is separate from the private lesson payment. Registration will be online and paid per 10-week term.
We offer three options for registration. Parents should consult with their private teacher regarding the best choice for their child:
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Violin & Cello Beginner to Book 8 – $370 per term (includes 1 group class and 1 enrichment class).
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Enrichment Class ONLY – $185 per term (choice of 1 class)
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Group Class ONLY – $185 per term (choice of 1 class)
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Sibling Discount - 10% (for each child)
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Possible additional fees:
Facility fee - pertains to families taking private lessons at the MNjcc - $75 per term. After confirming with your private teacher of room availability, you can pay this fee when registering for classes.
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Financial Assistance
Our mandate is to help make innovative and dynamic music programs accessible to all, regardless of financial status or circumstances. Our Equitable Access Program and Music Innovation Fund provide financial assistance towards our music programs and choirs. To apply please click here.
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Contact:
For a list of teachers, private lesson schedules, and group lesson schedules, please contact:
Gretchen Paxson-Abberger
Artistic Director, MNjcc Suzuki Program
gretchena@mnjcc.org / 647-637-1530
Kate Shaner
Associate Artistic Director, MNjcc Suzuki Program
The MNjcc Suzuki Program (formerly the Bloor JCC Suzuki Program) was started in 1992 by May Ing-Ruehle and Louise Hanly. We are proud that 2023-24 will mark our 32nd season, starting on Tuesday September 26th! Gretchen Paxson-Abberger has been the Artistic Director of 90 plus students since 1999, and is delighted to welcome Kate Shaner as Associate Artistic Director for the 2023-24 season and going forward.
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Our Suzuki students generally range in age from 3.5 to 18 years. The ECE program is from 0-4, our core instrumental is from 3.5-18, and then we have adult music programs from 18+. Our program is non-competitive, and each student moves through the books and levels at their own speed.
All MNjcc Suzuki Program students will receive:
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a nurturing music community with a supportive, non-competitive and fun learning environment;
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weekly violin, viola and cello group classes (level appropriate).
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weekly private lessons (scheduled directly with the private teacher), usually taught at the home studio of the teacher.
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choice of one enrichment class per term (please refer to our class descriptions document).
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chamber music ensemble participation (for students in Book 5 and beyond).
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guest ensembles and/or performers to work with students and families
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performance opportunities at the end of each term (solo recitals, enrichment class recitals, graduation recitals).
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community outreach performance opportunities
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Please click here for more information about the Suzuki faculty bios for the 2023/24 season.
UPCOMING SUZUKI CLASSES
FALL
Suzuki Group and/or Enrichment Classes
Welcome to the fall term of certified instruction in violin, viola, and cello!  Alongside your group class level, you may select one of the following enrichment classes: chamber music, composition, fiddling, improvisation, klezmer, music theory, reading ensemble, or ukulele. For more information: gretchena@mnjcc.org.
SUZUKI MUSIC PROGRAM
PRE REQUISITES
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Think about whether or not your child is ready to start an instrument. Be aware of the time commitment for you, the parent, as a routine home practice helper.
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If you are not sure your child is quite ready and may not yet have the focus required to learn an instrument, you may wish to consider registering for our Suzuki Early Childhood Music classes for children ages 2 months – 4 years.
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Attend our Virtual Parent Information Evening: September 26, 2023
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Choose an instrument: violin, viola, or cello. If you are not sure which instrument your child is interested in, you can find out during the observation process. You are required to attend and observe your child, a combination of at least one group lesson, and two private lessons. Observations help you and the teacher know whether your child is ready to start lessons. Observations also help parents to understand their role as home practice helpers.
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Read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki, and/or Beyond the Music Lesson by Christine Goodner.
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Start listening to the Volume I Suzuki CD of the pieces your child will be learning.
FALL
Suzuki Early Childhood Music Class
No prior musical experience necessary. Parent/guardian and child (age 0-4) will participate in a weekly music class. Parents will enjoy watching their children develop rhythmic and melodic awareness, memory, and social skills. Teachers work with parents to build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs and nursery rhymes.
FALL
Parent Info Night â–º September 26, 2023 (Hybrid)
For inquiring parents, a one-hour overview of the Suzuki method alongside a description of our Suzuki Program now in its 32nd year. Questions are encouraged.
FALL SPECIAL EVENTS
Fall Graduation Recital
Oct. 24 at 5:30 pm in Room 318
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Fall Solo Recitals
Dec. 5 from 4:30-7:30 pm in Room 318
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Special Concert
Dec. 12 afternoon Hanukkah Lobby concert - More information coming soon!