FEES AND REGISTRATION FOR THE SUZUKI PROGRAM
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Group class and ensemble registration is through the Amilia portal, group class payment is through the MNjcc and is separate from the private lesson payment. Registration will be paid once or twice per year.
We recommend a group and enrichment class for all children book 1+ and up. We have three options to select from. Parents, please consult with your private teacher regarding the best choice for your child prior to registering. All classes, concerts and special events are scheduled on Tuesdays between 4:30-6:30pm from Sept 17, 2024 - June 17, 2025. We recommend:
1. Violin, Viola, Cello or Guitar Group Class + Enrichment Class = $1,140 per 30-week school year (includes one group class and one enrichment class)
2. Violin, Viola, Cello or Guitar Group Class ONLY = $570 per 30-week school year (choice of one class)
3. Enrichment Class ONLY = $570 per 30-week school year (choice of one class)
Sibling Discount - 10% (for each child)
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. Please speak with Kate or Gretchen if you are interested to learn more. Click here to apply.
More Information and Contact:
For a list of music teachers, private lesson schedules, and group lesson schedules, please contact:
- Kate Shaner | Artistic Director, MNjcc Suzuki Program
kates@mnjcc.org / 647-545-4844
- Gretchen Paxson-Abberger | Artistic Director Emeritus MNjcc Suzuki Program
gretchena@mnjcc.org / 647-637-1530
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 2024-25 will mark our 33rd season. Gretchen Paxson-Abberger has been the Artistic Director of 90-plus students since 1999, and is delighted to welcome Kate Shaner as the new Artistic Director for the 2024-25 season.
Our Suzuki students generally range in age from 3.5 to 18 years. The ECE program is from 0-5, 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.
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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, cello and guitar 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 2024-25 Suzuki faculty bios.
Please click here for 2024-25 Suzuki FAQs.
Please click here for a calendar of 2024-25 special events.
Suzuki Music Program - Tuesdays: Sep 17 - June 24, 4:30-6:30 pm
Join us for our 33rd year of Suzuki Music at the JCC. Violin, Viola, Cello & NEW: Suzuki Guitar. Email Kate Shaner, Artistic Director, Suzuki Music Program at kates@mnjcc.org for more info.
SUZUKI PROGRAM
SPECIAL EVENTS
SUZUKI CHILDREN'S MUSIC PROGRAM
Suzuki Early Childhood Music (0-4 years old) - Sundays: Sept 29 - Dec 1, 11:15 am-12 pm
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. A wonderful foundation before starting on an instrument.
Dec. 3 - Solo recitals (Al Green Theater - AGT)
Dec. 10 - Community Holiday Concert (Annex Retirement Centre)
Feb. 18 - Winter Group & Ensemble Concert (AGT)
Apr. 1 - Gretchen’s 30th Anniversary Tribute Concert (AGT)
May 20 - Solo recitals (AGT)
June 10 - End-of-Year Group & Ensemble Concert (Venue TBD)
June 17 - Spring graduation recitals (Room 318)
Suzuki Early Childhood Music: Jump Start to Twinkles (3-5 years old)- Tuesdays: Oct 1 - Nov 19, 4:30-5:10 pm
For children 3-5 years old + parent/caregiver. Building on the foundational music skills learned in our Suzuki Early Childhood Education program, this weekly 40-minute class on Tuesdays is the perfect choice for students who have recently graduated from our Suzuki ECE program. Also recommended for beginners who are not ready for the full Suzuki Program, and/or have not yet chosen an instrument. More info: kates@mnjcc.org​
WINTER
Suzuki Early Childhood Music (ages 0-4) - Sundays, Jan 12 - Mar 9, 11:15 am-12 pm
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 nursey rhymes.
Suzuki Music: Jumpstart to Twinkles (ages 3-5) - Tuesdays, Jan 14 - Mar 4, 4:30-5:15 pm
For children 3-5 years old + parent/caregiver. Building on the foundational music skills learned in our Suzuki Early Childhood Education program, this weekly 40-minute class on Tuesdays is the perfect choice for students who have recently graduated from our Suzuki ECE program. Also recommended for beginners who are not ready for the full Suzuki Program, and/or have not yet chosen an instrument.