Group classes are weekly classes for groups of students at roughly the same age and level. These classes are a supplement, not a replacement, for private lessons. Group classes provide an opportunity to build ensemble playing skills, ear-training, music theory and support the work being done in the lessons with fun group activities. They also help build community and friendships between students and families in the studio. I intentionally organize my teaching such that some concepts are covered in private lesson and other concepts are covered in group class,  thus attendance in both is vital to a complete music education.

The classes intentionally overlap so that students are working at their level as well as reviewing earlier repertoire and listening to students play more advanced repertoire. Students are encouraged to stay longer, into the next class to hear more advanced pieces and I am often able to include them with related activities.

Please consider attending group class to be part of your family’s commitment to studying the violin. Parents should plan to stay for the group class.

Students taking from other Suzuki teachers in the area are welcome to enroll in my group class program. The same class fee and expectations apply.

Please contact me for details:  sharon@wherlandsuzukistudio.com or 206-307-2318.

Location and Rates

All group classes are taught  twice per month on Sunday afternoons at my home. Viola and violin students will be in the same class.

The group class fee is charged as a single yearly fee that breaks down to $12 per class.Please attend as many as you can and keep in mind that I do not make-up or reimburse missed group classes.

Class Timings:

Book 1 Group Class: 3:00-3:30 This class is suitable for pre-Twinkle student through Book 1. It will involve  rhythm, movement and concentration work as well as work with the violins, learning how to play together with other students and follow a leader. I also use the group class to reinforce repertoire, techniques being worked on in lesson, as well as music reading and music theory. Some of the class will cover songs they have not yet learned.  This is intentional. Students are encouraged to stay and watch the following class and participate in any activities or songs they feel comfortable playing.

Book 2 Group Class: 3:30-4:00 Book 2 students will be expected to maintain all learned songs in their memory as they will be reviewed and used for technique building. This class will also work on basic music theory and ear-training concepts as well as note reading and improvisation. Students in early book 2 should come early, during the book 1 class.

Book 3 Group Class:  4:00- 4:30 Please maintain all pieces in book 2 as well as those learned in book 3 fully memorized and refer to the review calendar to review specific pieces in books 1, 2 and 3. This class will also touch on music theory, history, ear-training, technique preparation for book 4 and improvisation.

Books 4 + Group Class: 4:30-5:10 This class will cover material and concept posted in the group class schedule as well as some music theory, ear-training,  improvisation, and sight-reading and chamber music. Please refer to the group class review calendar