Student Programs
Enrollment is open to violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, harp and guitar students of all levels who currently study with a teacher who uses the Suzuki method and materials. During the session beginning July 29th, classes will be offered for violin, piano, cello, bass and harp students. During the session beginning August 5th, there will be classes for those who study violin, viola, cello, guitar and piano. Click here for details on the two-week Chamber Music Program for advanced string and piano students.
The student program is a family experience. For young children, it is ideal to have one adult for each child enrolled. All students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult, with the exception of students age thirteen and older who elect to stay in the Teen Dorm where supervision is provided by ASI staff. In order to get the complete Institute experience, it is recommended that families make the commitment to be available for the many activities that occur throughout the day and into the evening.
A small number of violin students with no experience may enroll to begin their study at the Institute. These "no experience pre-twinkle" students should be listening to the Suzuki recordings for several weeks prior to the Institute and must have made arrangements for continued study at home. Their daily schedule will include individual and small group lessons in classes of not more than five students, and a music and movement class. Students must be at least three years old to enroll in this program. Parent and child must attend all classes together.
Pre-Twinkle students are those currently studying but do not yet play all the Twinkle Variations up to tempo and without stops. Their class schedule includes individual instruction, small group instruction and a music and movement class. Parent and child must attend all classes together.
Violin, viola, cello, piano and bass students in Books 1 and 2 will receive 15 hours of instruction plus (optional) four hours of free enrichment classes per week. Instruction includes a lesson (master) class, a technique class (pianists receive a musicianship class), and a repertoire class. String students in Books 3-5 will receive 20 hours of instruction, which includes a large ensemble class. (Large ensemble music will be provided at the first rehearsal). Piano students in Books 3-5 will be assigned to a duet. (A list of duet pieces can be found on the back of the piano repertoire list. Students are expected to purchase and learn the appropriate duet pieces before arriving at ASI.) Students Book 6 and above will be scheduled for 20 hours of instruction and are guaranteed no more than three people per master class.
Cello students should bring small chairs (if needed) and a rock stop.
Piano students should bring seat boosters and footstools for their personal use. UWSP provides non-adjustable benches for most pianos.
Harp and guitar students of all levels will be assigned to a lesson class, a technique class and a repertoire class.
Each student should review the entire Suzuki repertoire up to and including the current piece for his/her playing level. Be prepared to play your polished piece (your recital-ready piece) for your lesson class teacher at your first lesson. No matter what the level of current study, the student should select a piece from the repertoire that has been studied over a period of time. The teacher can readily assess the student's need by hearing a technically and musically mature piece.
Solo Recitals are held at 4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week. If your lesson class teacher recommends you for a Solo Recital, you will be notified at your first class the day of the recital.
Informal Recitals are held Thursday evening the first session, and Wednesday evening the second session. If your lesson class teacher recommends you for performance on an informal recital, he/she will assist you in completing the recital form which you should drop off at the office by 6:00 pm Tuesday. Programs will be posted by 1:00 pm the day of the Informal Recitals and will inform you of the time and place of your recital.
All students will perform in the Festival Concerts which will be held throughout the day on Friday (daily repertoire classes will prepare students for the Festival Concerts). Large Ensemble classes will present a mini-concert during the last 15 minutes of their scheduled class period as well. Piano students must complete their festival concert forms and turn them in to their lesson class teacher on Monday. Recommended attire for the Festival Concerts is "Sunday best".
Practice rooms will be available for you to prepare for your next days' lessons, and sign-up sheets will be posted on the door of each room by 3:00 pm for the following day. A number of practice rooms are reserved for piano students only. You may also practice in your dorm room or in the open air until 9:00 pm. After 9:00 pm, practice is permitted ONLY in the Noel Fine Arts Center practice rooms.
There are four $150.00 student needs-based scholarships available from funds donated to the ASI Scholarship Fund last year. Click here to print the application. Scholarship application deadline is March 30th.
Tax-deductible donations to the ASI Scholarship Fund can be indicated on your ASI application. Funds donated on the 2012 applications will be awarded for study at the 2013 Institute.
EARN YOUR WAY TO ASI!
Purchase a Toolkit ($10/5 kits) designed to assist you in soliciting funds from your local merchants, service clubs, family, friends, etc. Each kit includes instructions, a leave-behind promotional DVD, sample letters, and forms. Last year one family raised more than $2,000 using our Toolkit! You, too, can Earn Your Way to ASI!! Just check the box on your ASI Enrollment Form and five complete kits will be mailed to you for a $10 shipping and handling fee. If you want to order the Toolkit before you submit your application, just call or email the ASI Office (715-346-3033 or suzuki@uwsp.edu).
Students 18 and younger are encouraged to have their own health insurance as limited accident insurance is provided by the University.