Enrichment Classes
Our Book 1-8 program includes one enrichment class.
The Joy of Performance
Designed to support students in becoming comfortable and expressive performers, this class will explore the many aspects of sharing music with an audience. We will cover performance etiquette, stage presence, and thoughtful preparation, while also discussing ways to manage nerves. Participants will take part in informal recitals and performance opportunities throughout the week, building confidence in a positive and encouraging setting.
Recommended ages: 6-12
Taught by JSSI Faculty Members
Movement for Young Musicians
Take a break from your instrument with an hour of playful movement! We’ll play group games with elements of running and hand-eye coordination, and we’ll wind down with gentle stretching and breathing to be focused and ready for our next class.
Recommended ages: 6-10
Taught by Kayleigh Miller
StringsPop!
StringsPop! is a performance-based class for teens and tweens to experiment with popular and folk music. We’ll learn how to read lead sheets and charts to arrange melody, harmony, bass, and percussion parts for a group performance. Create and compose your own part of the song with the music literacy and chord theory skills presented as games on our instruments.
For ages 10 and up. Recommended to be in Suzuki book 3 or beyond.
Taught by Caroline Salisbury
Viola For Violinists
Rich. Deep. Resonant. Warm. Violinists, meet the viola! This class is an introduction to viola for students who already play violin, with the opportunity to get acquainted with the viola’s beautiful timbre and range, as well as meet the alto clef. Violists are highly sought after, both in chamber music and orchestral playing. Besides experiencing the joy of producing velvety viola sounds, violinists who study the viola often experience greater ease in playing the violin as their understanding of tone production grows; another common benefit is improved intonation, as their ears work hard to direct the fingers to exactly the right place on the string.
Many thanks in advance to V. Richelieu for providing violas for the class.
For Suzuki book 4 and beyond.
The Healthy Musician
In this course, we’ll explore basic anatomy related to our instruments, how best to sit and stand, strategies for handling stress, improving how we practice, and physical warmups to help our bodies.
Recommended ages: 11+
Taught by Kayleigh Miller
Peak Performance: Body, Mind, and Practice
In this class, we’ll help you build confidence and focus in the practice room and on stage. We will explore strategies for managing performance anxiety, developing more effective practice habits, and improving posture for seated and standing playing to support better sound production and injury prevention. We’ll also cover basic anatomy and simple movements you can incorporate into your day that support your physical well-being and musical performance.
For all Young Artists
Taught by Kayleigh Miller
You may register for Enrichment classes à la carte, but you do not get to choose the class time. A parent or other responsible adult must be present on campus with students under 12 during their classes. A la carte enrichment classes costs $150 and enrollment includes:
• Four sessions of your selected class/es
• Attendance at our inspiring Honors Recitals
• Participation in our Teen Social (age 12+)
• Participation for parents in our Parent Talks
• Admission to our special faculty performances featuring Young Artist cello faculty, Amy Barston, and Young Artist viola faculty, Amber Archibald-Sešek
My daughter loved her classes! She was very motivated by the other students and wanted to go back to institute again.
JSSI really helped her to want to do better!