Student Program
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The San Diego Suzuki Institute provides an opportunity for students to deepen their skills, guided by an internationally acclaimed faculty in a supportive and motivational environment. Throughout the five days at Congregation Beth Am, students will receive technique classes, jazz orchestra and many other exciting enrichment opportunities!
This program is open to all Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and piano students. Please review our program requirements before registering. Students must bring their own lunch unless selecting the catered lunch option at registration checkout.
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Student ProgramStudent Program | Full day program, 4 Hours of instruction
SDSI students will receive 4 hours of classroom instruction a day either starting at 9am and ending at 3pm or starting at 10am and ending at 4pm. Please be prepared for either schedule option, depending on how the final schedule lines up. Students signed up for an elective will attend 9am to 4pm. Can my child attend alone? Twinkler Program | Half day program, 3 Hour modified schedule The Twinkler Program is suitable for very young children who need a shorter day. Each student will have 3 hours of classes per day starting at 9am and ending at 12pm. Twinkler students may optionally stay after lunch to watch the concert hour. Must be accompanied by guardian. SDSI program classes may include any combination of classes listed below under Core Curriculum. All schedules are individually tailored to each student's age and playing level. Core CurriculumTechnique Class | 1 Hour
Single instrument group class that focuses on developing both individual and ensemble skills. Repertoire Class | 1 Hour Single instrument group class that focuses on developing Suzuki repertoire Class may also focus on learning new pieces at intermediate and advanced levels. Cello Choir | 1 Hour A cello-only ensemble for upper level musicians that perform pieces written for cello groups. Fiddle | 1 Hour Fiddle class that focuses on developing traditional fiddle bowing, playing by ear and improvisational skills. Music Mind Games | 1 Hour Educational games that teach music theory and note reading using engaging classroom materials. Piano Jazz Improvisation | 1 Hour A piano-only class that teaches introductory Jazz chords, style, and improvisation techniques. Kodaly | 1 Hour The Kodaly Method is a way of developing musical skills and teaching musical concepts beginning in very young children. This method uses folk songs and games, Curwen hand signs, pictures, rhythm symbols, and movement. Masterclass | 1 Hour Semi-private lesson with 3-4 students. Students will take turns having hands on instruction with a trained Suzuki teacher and learn from watching the other lessons. Chamber Music | 1 Hour Comprised of 3-4 musicians. Typically a combination of violin, viola and cello but this class is open to piano students. Each chamber group will be led by a coach that will help to develop small ensemble skills. Play-In | 1 Hour Large Suzuki style group performance that can either be single instrument or cross instrument. Concert Attendance | 1 Hour Develop musicianship by listening to other musicians perform. Daily Practice | 1 Hour |
Elective Classes Students (except Twinkler program students) may select an elective class. This adds one extra hour of instruction per day. Students with an elective class will receive 5 hours of class per day starting at 9am and ending at 4pm. Please note the level, age and instrument requirements for each class.
Fun-Fit Games by Phoenix Sports | 1 Hour
This active elective blends structured physical movement with problem-solving and creativity. Students will rotate through ninja-style obstacle paths, foundational athletic skill development (soccer, basketball, dodgeball, gaga ball), and fun fitness activities. Sessions are designed to support coordination, body awareness, focus, and cooperative play in an age-appropriate, well-managed environment. Activities are adapted daily based on group energy, developmental level, and group dynamics. No prior sports experience required. All abilities welcome. More Details Here For any book level. Any age. All instruments. Movement for Musicians | 1 Hour Are you tired of reminding your musician to "stand up straight" or "have good posture?" Using kinesiology and manipulatives, students will learn about the muscles and bones used to play our instruments, and how muscle ordering and balance create posture. Gaining mechanical advantage helps students feel and sound better. It can also lead to faster progress, with heightened motivation, joy and artistry! This course is taught by guest faculty member Summer Jones, an expert on movement and consultant to professional dance companies, symphony and solo musicians. For book 1 and up. Ages 6+. All instruments. Movie Soundtrack Composition | 1 Hour Using musical skills and materials participants already have, soundtracks will be created for one or more videos. Materials can include singing, playing, Suzuki literature, smart phones or tablets. Each group will work together to learn how to compose new soundtracks for videos. These unique soundtracks will be performed live at the final concert. For book 2 and up. Any age. All instruments. Learn to Play the Ukulele | 1 Hour Everybody's favorite fun musical instrument. Learn basic chords and strum patterns, sing songs, learn to read uke tablature, and even apply your notation skills to ukulele music. Taught by world-famous singer-songwriter, Cindy Lee Berryhill. For book 2 and up. Age 7 and older. All instruments. Next Level Ukulele | 1 Hour For students that previously took "Learn to Play the Ukulele" OR have some experience with basic ukulele chords (C, D, G). This class will include reading uke tablature (an alternative to notation), learning more advanced chords, riffs, songs, and songwriting (different than instrument composition). Taught by world-famous singer-songwriter, Cindy Lee Berryhill. For book 2 and up. Age 7 and older. All instruments. Prompt to Picture: Making Videos with Words | 1 Hour Computer-based video sketching tools and software assistants (agents) have become more powerful and useful recently. Students will explore new computer-based ways of making short videos. These videos can be micro-stories, visual art displays or other forms the participants describe. The main way of describing the video to be made is by writing instructions, also known as "prompts". Students will learn about useful terms and techniques for writing effective prompts. The instructor will have the one laptop used for the class. Parents will need to check in with the instructor once during the week to discuss their child's progress.. For any book level. Age 9 and older. All instruments. 
A note about Beth Am's kosher observance:The San Diego Suzuki Institute is held at Congregation Beth Am. Beth Am is a Jewish synagogue that keeps kosher and asks that all attendees follow these same guidelines.
Meat and dairy must be separated. In an effort to keep this as simple as possible, SDSI has one simple lunch rule: All food that is brought from home MUST be vegetarian. A catered kosher lunch with meat that is prepared by a kosher chef will be provided to all registered students that would prefer on-site food. A menu of the daily food choices may be found here. If neither of these options work for your family, there are a number of off-site lunch options that are within easy driving distance. |
There's really not just one way to play...
Refund Policy
In the event that you decide to cancel your registration, notify the San Diego Suzuki Institute in writing. There is a $100 non-refundable cancellation fee per participant. The payment of all other fees will be returned if email or postal notice of cancellation is received by June 15.
Due to commitments to faculty and travel plans, applicants who withdraw June 16-30 receive a 50% refund of fees (less the $100 non-refundable cancellation fee per participant). Withdrawal July 1 and after forfeit all fees.
If enrollment is full or cancelled, all registration and course fees will be refunded.
Due to commitments to faculty and travel plans, applicants who withdraw June 16-30 receive a 50% refund of fees (less the $100 non-refundable cancellation fee per participant). Withdrawal July 1 and after forfeit all fees.
If enrollment is full or cancelled, all registration and course fees will be refunded.