Japan-Seattle
Suzuki Institute
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington

Program

Special Features

  • Advanced Program
  • Orchestra, Music Reading, or Rhythm Class
  • Composition
  • Viola for Violinists
  • Chamber Music

Regular Student Program

We offer violin, viola, cello and double bass classes for all levels. All students should have a polished piece ready for their master classes.

Viola and Double Bass classes will be offered at all levels, if there is sufficient registration no later than May 1, 2012.  If any portion of the viola/double bass curriculum is cancelled you will receive a full refund.

Each student (except Lewis/Barston Class) will participate in four master classes, attend daily Technique and Repertoire classes, and have a choice among Orchestra, Music Reading, or Rhythm Class. Pre-Twinkle students will have classes only in the morning.

NEW THIS YEAR: Double Bass classes & Viola Classes!

Advanced Program

All Advanced Program violinists (Book 9 and up) and cellists (Book 8 and up) will participate in a daily Performance class, led by Felicity Lipman (violin) or Amy Sue Barston (cello)  (see Students for repertoire list), Advanced Orchestra, and Chamber Music. Students who register after June 1 will only be assigned to a chamber music group if there is space available.

Advanced students may also receive two half-hour master classes with Brian Lewis (violin) or one half-hour masterclass with Amy Barston (cello) during the Institute. This class will be observed by other students and teachers, and there will be an accompanist provided.  Spaces are limited, and you must send a recording of your polished piece and a copy of the accompaniment by June 1. No changes of repertoire will be accepted after June 1.

If more students apply for these master classes than we can accommodate, the order of registration will determine placement, provided the recording is of acceptable quality. We will refund the $100/$50 fee to students who cannot be accommodated in these special master classes, and they will be scheduled with other master-class teachers and still participate in the full Advanced Program.

Chamber Music
Chamber Music is open to violinists in Book 9 and above, violists Book 8 and above, cellists Book 8.  All chamber music participants must send an audition video recording via email to Satoko at japanseattlesatoko@gmail.com Chamber Music participants should prepare the Haydn D Major Quartet (The Lark) HOB III: 63, Finale (vivace) only. Please contact Holly at japanseattle@hotmail.com to receive music for the audition.  Audition is due no later June 1st.

Optional Classes

  • Viola for Violinists: A four-hour class with Barbara Riley, designed for violin students in Books 4-8. Violas will be provided.
  • Composition: A four-hour class designed for students ages 10 and up who have basic music reading skills.  This course is not limited to string musicians but open to any student with basic music reading skills and approximate Book 4 skill level who wishes to learn the basics of composition and increase their understanding of music theory.  Each section will be limited to 12 students.  This class is filled on a first-come, first served basis, and although we can’t guarantee that we can schedule this for every child who is interested, we will certainly try.

Unregistered Siblings

Unregistered siblings that are 5 years old and under may register for Rhythm Class for a fee of $30.

Recitals

Students of all levels who wish to be chosen for an honor recital should send a recording (with piano accompaniment) of the piece they wish to play by June 1. There is a time limit of 10 minutes on the pieces for the Honors Recital. Recording guidelines are as follows:

  • Mail all recordings to Holly Blackwelder Carpenter (see Contact for mail and email address). No mail is accepted that requires our signature, as we are unable to retrieve items from the post office.
  • The recording should be marked only with the name and length of the piece and the student’s age.
  • Include the student’s name and address and their teacher’s signature on a separate piece of paper.
  • Please send high quality CD’s, DVD’s, youtube recordings, mp3 or other electronic recordings via email or regular mail.  It is impossible to fairly evaluate recordings made with poor equipment.  Please send a letter including students name, age, piece and teacher’s signature as a separate attached document if the submission is via email or paper copy if the submission is via regular mail.  VHS recordings will not be accepted.
  • If the recording you are sending for the Lewis/Barston master classes should also be considered for an honor recital, please mark it clearly or you will not be considered.

Recordings will not be returned: please send a copy, not an original. In addition to honor recitals, all students will have an opportunity to participate in an informal recital during the Institute (no recording submission necessary). Sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board during registration. Please note that if you are submitting a recording for honor recital consideration and your piece is a large collaborative work (such as a Beethoven Sonata) requiring extra rehearsals with our pianists, you may be asked to substitute another work or provide your own accompanist.

Daily Schedule

Your personalized, daily schedule will not be available until registration day. Each student (excepting the advanced track students) will have the following courses: daily masterclass, performance class, technique class and music reading or orchestra. These classes will be scheduled during the 6, hour long class periods available each day between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.  Please plan on being on campus during these hours. We cannot accommodate requests for certain class times, scheduling is done according to registration numbers in each skill level.  Please remember that an adult MUST accompany children under the ages of 12 at all times, including mealtimes in the cafeteria.  Please do not request any additional scheduling information prior to the Institute beyond what is listed on this website.

Advanced Track students should plan on being on campus during the same hours.