Summer Suzuki

June 29 – July 2, 2026

Full-day (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) tuition rate: $745
Students ages 6-12 who have already been receiving private lessons with a Suzuki-registered violin, cello, or guitar teacher, and who have already completed learning the Twinkles.

Young Players (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) tuition rate: $380
Students ages 3-5 who have already been receiving private lessons with a Suzuki-registered violin, cello, or guitar teacher. Students attend alongside their caregiver.

Future Players (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) tuition rate: $260
Students ages 3.5-6 who are interested in beginning Suzuki violin, cello, or guitar and have not yet begun taking private lessons. Students attend alongside their caregiver.

Tuition must be paid in full when your student’s application is submitted in order to reserve their placement in this program.

About

In RSC’s Summer Suzuki program, violinists and cellists ages 3-12 will spend a week developing their artistry and technique in a nurturing environment. Throughout this five-day program, students will engage in daily master classes, learn and solidify new skills in the Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class, and more. The week then concludes with performances!

Masterclasses

Each student will enjoy a master class daily with peers of a similar level. Parents are welcomed (but not required) to attend the master class!

Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class
Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class is where the magic takes place! By playing with peers, students solidify their technical skills, develop ensemble skills, and become excited about repertoire they will soon learn.

Music, Movement, and Theory
Students will enjoy enrichment classes where they explore pitch, pulse, rhythm, notation, history, and other musical concepts in playful, age-appropriate activities.

Performances
All Full-Day and 3-Hour program students will participate in a solo recital (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.) and a large group concert (Thursday, 2:30 p.m.). 2-Hour program (Future Players) students will participate in a large group concert (Thursday, 2:30 p.m.). Parents and guests are welcome to view the performances.

Lunch and Recreation
Daily lunch is provided at The Rivers School Kraft Dining Hall.

Not yet playing?
We have a two-hour option for students aged 3.5 – 6 years old who are eager to begin lessons soon! They, alongside their parents, will enjoy a music/movement class as well as a Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class that explores foundational string-instrument concepts such as instrument care, posture, bow-arm development, and ear training. Parent education received during this week will help you make sure to start off on the right foot while you motivate and nurture your young musician! Please note, this is not a drop-off program.

Placement
Program Director Jenna Potts will reach out to Full-day and 3-hour Summer Suzuki program applicants in the spring about placement auditions.

Applicants should prepare to record themselves playing two contrasting pieces that best demonstrate their abilities. The pieces should be from the Suzuki repertoire and should be memorized. This audition is to determine placement in the Suzuki Technique and Musicianship Class.

Questions?

Applicants should be currently studying privately with a teacher who has Suzuki-registered training and should plan to have their review pieces memorized and ready to go. If you are not sure whether this program is a good fit for you, please email Program Director Jenna Potts at j.potts@rivers.org

​

Faculty

​

Violin
Lisa Hollis
Lisa Lederer
Sean Larkin
Jenna Potts
Gabriel Solomon 

Cello
Taylor Stobinski

Guitar
Catherine O'Kelly

Dalcroze/Theory
Weronika Balewski

Enrichment
Sarah Tenney