How to Prepare for an Institute?

by Jonathan Smith

There are a couple important things to do to prepare for a summer Suzuki Institute. The first thing to do is to practice daily if you are not already.  This will get you and your child ready to have classes everyday during the week. In your practice before the institute make sure to review all known repertoire. If the institute sends you a review list make sure to focus on those first. Make sure that your instrument is in good shape.  You can take it to your local instrument shop to see if you need a bow rehair(or new bow) and see if you need new strings. Be sure to do this about a month before the institute to have time for any repairs you need to be done. This will also allow enough time for new strings to settle. Typically it takes two weeks of daily practice for new strings to stop stretching.

Another important thing to do is to emphasize some of the fun things your child will get to do during the week. Meeting new friends, playing in large group class setting, sports, and having tons of fun! Lastly do not stress the hours of playing your child will do during the week. Your child will do that very willingly once they are there!