Skip to main content


NEW for 2024!
Two weeks of cello classes and training

STUDENT OFFERINGS


General Information

​The American Suzuki Institute provides the opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to share a highly motivating and nurturing experience. The concentrated format of the student classes stimulates and motivates while reinforcing the skills developed in the normal course of study at home. The Institute allows parents to see the success of the Suzuki approach on a grand scale and to enhance the skills they need to help their children learn. Additionally, it is a gathering place for teachers to share ideas and work with some of the most renowned teacher trainers in the Suzuki world.

For Student Registration

  • Registration fee is $135.
  • Be sure to include your child’s current working and current polished pieces. Applications with this information missing will be returned.
  • For all virtual classes and for communication purposes, be certain that we have the email address of the parent of all students under the age of 18. Parents will be expected to attend the A and B classes of the students, as would be the case at the in-person Institute.
  • You may notify us until June 15 by email at suzuki@uwsp.edu with any working and polished pieces changes. Please mark June 15 on your calendar as a reminder to send updated piece information to the Suzuki office.

For Teacher Trainee Applications 

  • Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first served basis until the course is filled.
  • A registration fee will be charged for all teachers who enroll after May 31.​
  • Course Cancellations
    • ASI may cancel teacher training courses if enrollment is insufficient. If a course you enroll for is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified by June 29 and your fees will be returned.​
    • Please enroll by June 1 so that a course you wish to take is not canceled.​
    • Check the Suzuki Association of the Americas website for ASI Teacher Training course enrollment numbers.

Payments 

  • You must include at least the non-refundable registration fee with your completed enrollment application.
  • Applications received without the registration fee will not be accepted.
  • Balances must be paid in full by June 1 to avoid the $70 non-refundable late fee.
  • ASI accepts checks or credit cards.

Refund policy

A refund of all fees paid, excluding the registration fee, will be given only if notice of cancellation is received in writing by June 30. Cancellation notices must be sent via email to suzuki@uwsp.edu.

Check-in Day

  • Registration packets containing student schedules, name tags, parking permits, meal tickets and other Institute information will be available in the Noel Fine Arts Center (1800 Portage Street) from Noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 14 and July 21.
  • Residence hall room check-in is done at the front desk of your assigned residence hall after you check-in at the Suzuki office (check your invoice/statement for your assigned residence hall).
  • The first meal served in the cafeteria is on Sunday from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Health Information Forms are required for all students under the age of 18 who are staying with us on campus.

Most concerts will be live-streamed from Michelsen Hall for the benefit of family and friends.

Honors Recitals:

Honors Recitals celebrate excellence at all levels. Whether you are a Book 1 student or are beyond the Suzuki repertoire, we encourage you to audition. Please navigate to the Honors Recital Page for audition video submission information.

Chamber Music Recital 

  • Thursday evening during week two (informal concert week 1).
  • Advanced students enrolled in the Chamber Music Program will perform the chamber pieces they have learned and prepared during their stay at ASI.

Festival Concerts

  • All students participate in the festival concert for their instrument area.
  • ASI alumni and teacher trainees are invited to participate in the festival concert for their instruments.
  • Check out the Repertoire Review Lists on the dropdown list above so you can prepare for concerts and group classes.
  • Held throughout the day on Friday (the violin festival is held on Friday evening during both weeks).

Faculty Recital

  • ASI faculty will present a recital on Tuesday each week.
  • This performance is free and open to the public and allows students, parents, teachers, and the public to hear the ASI faculty perform. Come and be inspired by performances presented by our talented faculty!

Guest Artist Recital

  • On Monday of each week, ASI invites one or more guest artists to perform a recital.
  • These artists are usually ASI alumni, teachers, or teacher trainers that have built extensive performing careers, often holding positions with major symphonies around the country, and performing as soloists or chamber musicians frequently. These are recitals you won’t want to miss!

  • Email and Constant Contact announcements will be the primary form of correspondence for ASI. When contact us or register, we will put your name on the mailing list. Please check your spam if you are not receiving our announcements.
  • Please add suzuki@uwsp.edu to your contact list to ensure that you receive our communications.

Families may elect to stay on campus or in nearby hotels. ​​Campus housing consists of typical university residence halls with communal restrooms. Kitchens are available on some floors. If you would like to stay in the residence halls, select your housing options on your registration form. If you do not wish to stay in a residence hall, there are several other options nearby which you can book separately.

Residence Halls

  • ​​​Select housing on your registration forms:

    • Single room: 1 week – $215
    • Double room: 1 week – $155 per person
    • Early arrival or extra night: Single – $35; Double – $25
  • Health forms are required for all minors staying in the residence halls.
  • All residents must bring linens (pillows, blankets, sheets and towels) and all personal items needed for your stay.
  • Early arrival – if you would like to arrive on Saturday after 2 p.m., please contact the ASI office to make arrangements.
  • Early arrival is not permitted for Teen Dorm.
  • All residents must bring linens (pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels) and all personal items needed for your stay.​
  • All residents staying for the two-week period must add the extra night fee to cover the Saturday between Week 1 and Week 2 (this includes Teen Dorm residents).​

Teen Dorm​  – Please navigate to Teen Dorm​ for complete information​​​

Early Arrivals 

  • ​​​Early arrival is permitted for families in residence halls, but not for Teen Dorm campers.
  • ​If you plan to arrive on Saturday, you must contact the ASI office to make arrangements.
  • ​Early arrivals will only be accepted with advance notice.
  • Early check-in (Saturday after 2pm) is available for an additional fee
Hotels and Other Lodging Options

Meals will be in the DeBot Dining Center

  • Full Meal Plan (17 meals)
    • Includes Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast
    • $160 per week (age 3 and older)
  • Lunch & Dinner Meal Plan (11 meals)
    • Includes lunch and dinner Monday-Friday.
    • $120 per week (age 3 and older)
  • Children under three are not charged for meals.
  • No refund will be issued for unused portions on either meal plan.
  • No meal plans will be sold after Sunday’s registration, but cash and credit cards are accepted at DeBot during mealtimes.
  • There is a grocery store as well as several fast food and family restaurants within walking distance of campus.
  • There are a limited number of dormitory-style refrigerators available for $35.
  • One kitchen is available on each dormitory floor.

  • Getting to the Institute 
    • Airport & Cab Service
      The commercial airport closest to UWSP is the Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA). CWA is located just off I-39, approximately 20 miles north of Stevens Point, in the town of Wausau/Mosinee.Several rental car agencies are located at the airport. Cab service is available from CWA to UWSP, and we suggest you make arrangements prior to arriving in Central Wisconsin. Check the CWA website for more information.
  • Driving Directions
  • Arrival and Departure information 
    • Plan to arrive at the Noel Fine Arts Center on the UWSP campus between noon and 5pm on Sunday for Institute check-in
    • Classes conclude Friday at 4pm, but Festival Concerts conclude Friday evening
    • Dorm check-out is Saturday before noon
  • UWSP campus parking
    Those driving to Stevens Point and housed in UWSP dormitories must purchase a parking permit, which is valid only in the lots assigned to us by UWSP – no overnight street parking is permitted.
  • Parking passes available for purchase – $35 per week
  • Getting around campus and town 
    • Everything on the UWSP campus is within walking distance from the residence halls and classroom buildings
    • Bikes, skateboards, and scooters are welcome outdoors on campus, but are strictly forbidden in all buildings.
    • Several restaurants and shops, including those downtown, are within walking distance from campus
    • The downtown area is about 1 mile from campus.
    • Taxi services: Courtesy cab (715) 342-8863

A long-time tradition at ASI, the store offers many wonderful items.

  • Practical items such as ID tags for cases, music-themed note paper, Suzuki books, recordings, and  inspirational reading for teachers and parents.
  • All things ASI, such as the brand-new 2024 ASI t-shirt
  • Retro ASI t-shirts
  • Plenty of “Must-have” items, such as snacks, puzzles and fidgets!

  • The American Suzuki Institute is a family experience.
  • Parents are expected to remain with their children during meals and leisure time, as well as during classes.
  • Parents are responsible for the conduct of their children and the safety of their valuables at all times while attending the Institute.

One of the defining features of the American Suzuki Institute is the attention given to the inspiration of parents. ASI typically offers more parent lectures/discussion sessions than nearly any other summer institute. We believe that parent education and camaraderie is of the utmost importance. 

Parent and teacher lectures are scheduled at 11:05 a.m.  Student electives are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. in order to give the parent freedom to attend the lectures of their choice. A number of these lectures, because of their popularity and quality, are often featured at the SAA Conference and at other workshops around the country.

Parents are invited to enroll for some of the electives as well…depending on class parameters and the number of students enrolled. ​

It can be a transformative experience when students from the same home teaching studio share the institute experience. When students eat, sleep, work, and play together it creates a strong bond of friendship and support that cannot be created as quickly or effectively in any other way. Encouraging many students from your home studio to ASI is a great opportunity to build community and camaraderie in your studio.

  • Teachers: send applications from your studio in one envelope or send us a list of families from your studio in order to be housed in the same wing of the dormitory.
  • Parents and students: ask your friends to join you at ASI this summer!

Sunday

​12:00 noon – 5:00 pm ​Registration – Pick up schedules and general information packets
​6:15 pm ​Short Term Teacher Training Course Orientation
7:00 pm Welcome Ceremony
7:30 pm Play-in and ASI Mixer
​8:15 pm ​Quiet Hours begin

Monday through Thursday

8:00 am – 11:00 am Classes per individual schedules
​11:00 am – 12:00 noon ​Optional enrichment classes for students and free lectures for parents and teachers (registration required)
​1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ​Classes per individual schedules
​4:00 pm ​Honor recitals, announcements (Except Wednesday)

Friday

8:00 am – 11:00 am Classes per individual schedules
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Classes per individual schedules

  Friday Festival Concerts

Week 1 Week 2​
TBA – Piano ​11:15 am – Harp and Viola
4:15 pm – Voice ​4:15 pm – Cello and Bass
​7:00 pm – Violin and SECE ​7:00 pm – Violin Festival​

​Evening Concerts 7:00​

​Week 1 ​Week 2
​Monday  – Guest Artist ​Monday – Guest Artist
​Tuesday – Faculty Recital ​Tuesday – Faculty Recital
​Wednesday – Free Time ​Wednesday – Free Time (4:00-6:00); Informal Recitals (6:30) & Talent Show (7:30)
​Thursday – Informal recital (6:15) & Talent Show ​Thursday- (7:00 pm) Chamber Music Student Ensemble Performances and Chamber Orchestra Concert

Saturday

12:00 pm Residence Hall check-out deadline
No classes are scheduled on Saturday.

The ASI Talent Show is a great way for students, parents and teachers to relax, unwind and have some fun!

Got Talent? If you have abilities like magic, unicycling, or acting, then you can be part of the ASI Talent Show! Here are some guidelines to help you prepare.
    • Start planning your act now!
    • Auditions will be held on-campus – check for sign-up sheet when you check in
    • Decisions of the committee will be final
    • You may submit up to one solo and one group act.
    Get ready, get set, and have fun!

Join the Club!

Dr. Suzuki said, “only practice on the days you eat.” At the American Suzuki Institute, we take that message very seriously. The ASI 100 Day Practice Club was started by ASI teacher and Suzuki pioneer, Craig Timmerman. Students (and teachers) who have practiced at least 100 days consecutively are welcomed and encouraged to join this elite club of dedicated musicians.  We celebrate the focus and energy which you, your practice partner, and your teacher have put into joining the 100-Day Practice Club. We have been amazed throughout the years at the number of ASI students who have not missed a day of practice, not just 100 or 200 days, but YEARS! Practicing can be a habit that’s hard to break!

To help you keep track of your 100 consecutive days, we have created an ASI 100-Day Club Coloring Chart. Click the link, download and print your form, and sart coloring!!!

When you have completed 100 days or more of consecutive practice, please complete the ASI 100-Day Practice Club Members Form. As is tradition, your name will be shared during the Wednesday ASI Talent (?) Show, and you will receive a printed certificate as a memento of your achievement! ​

  • ASI does not have rentals available.
  • Luthier services and instrument vendors will be available.
  • UWSP has some basses and cellos available for teacher training participants on a first come first serve basis. Contact the Suzuki office if you need to use a bass or cello for a teacher training course.

  • Practice rooms are available on the third floor of the Noel Fine Arts Center for students and teachers
  • Parents are expected to accompany students in the practice rooms. Teen Dorm residents must check with their counselor for practice time.
  • You may also practice in your dorm room or in the open air until 9pm
  • Pianists in Book 4 and above have the option to practice on a grand piano. Please pick up a key in the Suzuki office.
  • After 9pm, practice is permitted ONLY in the Noel Fine Arts Center practice rooms

  • During free time, there are many opportunities for recreation both on and off campus, with
    fellow ASI families, or on your own.
  • On campus facilities for jogging, tennis, and softball
  • On campus cardio center and indoor pool available for a fee
  • Take advantage of the many parks, lakes, and rivers located nearby
  • Take advantage of activities arranged especially for you by ASI
  • Wednesday afternoon will feature special activities arranged just for you. Check back later for more specific details.

​A Day in the Life… 

What is it like to spend a day at ASI? Come with us for a brief tour…You will start your day with breakfast in the University Dining Hall or one of the local restaurants. You will then head out to the Noel Fine Arts Center or the CBB to begin your day of classes and activities.

Depending on your age and level, you will have anywhere between 3-5 hours of classes, including a Master Class (lesson) with just 3-4 students in the group. You will join more friends for at least 2 other classes, one that focuses on technique, and one for repertoire. Other classes for older students might include some ensembles, such as orchestra, chamber music, piano ensembles or theory. All of these classes happen somewhere between the hours of 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. 

At 11 a.m., you have the option of attending an elective of your choice. (Be sure to check these out on our Student Classes tab and to sign up on your registration form). Some of these electives are musical, some are not. The common theme among them is that they give you a chance to have fun and be creative! 

As soon as classes are finished for the day (4 p.m.) everyone gathers in Michelsen Hall for the Honors Recital. We get to hear some great music, share our talents, and cheer for our friends. After the day’s classes are over, it’s time for dinner and then more fun! Evenings are very special times at ASI. They are reserved for performances by our world-class faculty, guest artists, students (informal recitals), and of course, the infamous ASI talent show! On the last day of the week, each instrument group hosts its own spectacular festival concert. 

Then, of course, there is your free time … how will you spend it? Will you take advantage of the many recreational activities, like kayaking on the local waterways? Or perhaps take a bike ride on the Green Circle Trail? One afternoon of the week is reserved solely for these kinds of activities…or for just plain old hanging out. Oh, and we don’t want to forget about practicing…there are plenty of practice rooms in the Fine Arts Center; but if you are lucky enough to have a portable instrument, feel free to enjoy practicing outside, in the beautiful Wisconsin summer weather. 

Parents, your day ​mostly consists of attending classes with your child, but we haven’t forgotten about providing you with inspiration. There are lectures every day designed just for you … and of course, there are lots of opportunities to meet other parents and share experiences. 

After the last notes of the day’s music have been played, you can drift off to sleep. You will want to get plenty of rest so you can enjoy everything that tomorrow has to offer… 

“ASI was an anticipated event at our house. When I was first approached about how wonderful ASI was when the kids were young, I thought to myself,  I am sure it is nice, but I didn’t really believe that it was the equivalent of a semester’s worth of work in a week!  I was completely wrong! It was as great and even better than advertised!  Camp was so loved in our family that it became a motivator for each of the kids through the fall semester, and then in spring they were motivated to start preparing for the next ASI in summer.  Eventually, it was about the social fun, making music with friends in the Chamber Program, and independence in the teen dorm! They looked forward to it more than anything all year!  Many of the friends they made are still their friends today, and they still make music together once in a while!  Also, the teachers and families all treated each other with such a high level of respect.  Success began with simply asking a child to try something, and then congratulations for the child’s effort, whether perfect or not, was given. With further instruction and models shown, eventually the child graduated to a perfect repetition along with a feeling of success, and the confidence to risk learning in front of a group!  We were so happy to have such an excellent international program right in Central Wisconsin in which all were learning music in the Suzuki environment of love and respect.”
Tomi DittburnerSuzuki Parent and Student