Suzuki Talent Education

The MacPhail Suzuki Program

One of the largest and most established Suzuki programs in the country and one of the only places to offer comprehensive Suzuki lessons in Minnesota!

MacPhail Suzuki Music Education offers lessons on piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, and harp for students as young as age 3 or 4 through high school.

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Suzuki Talent Education Overview

child playing cello

The Suzuki Approach

The Suzuki approach to music education is based on the belief that young children can learn to play a musical instrument the same way they learn to speak their native language – through listening, repetition, encouragement, and parental involvement!  Parent, child, and teacher form the “Suzuki Triangle” to create a long-term, collaborative learning experience.

Weekly individual lessons are the core of the instruction. Suzuki students also participate in:

  • Group lessons – weekly or monthly
  • Studio recitals
  • Department recitals
  • Workshops
  • Orchestras
  • Reading classes
  • Advanced ensembles
  • International Tours

Videos About Suzuki

Learn more about our Suzuki Program by watching these videos.

How to Get Started

  • Fill out an online placement form.
  • Contact Claire Miller, Suzuki Department Coordinator, to receive the Suzuki Placement Checklist and Information Packet. We share the steps to enroll, the Suzuki philosophy and approach to music education, our program details, and FAQ’s.
  • Observe a lesson or class.
  • Questions? Please contact Claire Miller, Suzuki Department Coordinator

Suzuki Early Childhood Education

Suzuki Early Childhood Education Classes are a weekly interactive experience for babies and toddlers with a parent from birth through age 3. Songs, rhymes, stories, and instruments teach musical concepts, language and pre-reading skills, numbers, physical coordination, social and emotional skills, and much more! Parents learn to be active observers of their child’s learning process and build a repertoire of lullabies, action songs, and rhymes, with techniques for using them at home.

The Suzuki approach emphasizes encouragement and repetition within a calm, nurturing environment. Classes are team-taught by trained and experienced instructors. Teachers have undertaken long-term Suzuki teacher training and apply their knowledge of early childhood development and understanding of the Suzuki philosophy to their approach in the classroom.

Every child is born with outstanding potential. Parents are encouraged to observe and delight in tiny developmental steps in the Suzuki Early Childhood Education Class. Children grow their abilities and realize their fantastic learning potential with long-term, consistent participation.

In addition to the semester tuition, there is a one-time $25 materials fee for a CD/Booklet to listen to the songs at home and a journal to write in during class time.

During fall 2023, the class meets on Saturdays from either 9-9:50 am or 10-10:50 am.

This class is ongoing for current students ages 0-3 years old.

Contact Ruth Bergman, Suzuki Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator.

Developing the Whole Child Through Music

In the Suzuki Method, children thrive in an environment of total support. Suzuki students develop confidence and self-esteem, determination to try difficult things, self-discipline, and concentration. As well, they acquire a lasting enjoyment of music, and the sensitivity and skills necessary for making music.

Meet Our Faculty

Read. Watch. Listen

Showing 6 results.
Tamara's headshot
Listen
Time To Practice: Good Practice Makes Good Habits
Date: Nov 16, 2021

with Tamara Gonzalez Practice makes perfect. Practice makes permanent. The more I practice, the luckier I get. You’ve heard the cliches. But what do they say about practicing? Not much. …

Group of students playing guitar
Read
The Importance of Group Class to Suzuki Learning
Date: Jun 2, 2021

Compiled by Ruth Bergman Some points are borrowed from Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making it Easier, by Edmund Sprunger Group class is one of the central components of Suzuki …

Current Student Resources

Registered students, look here for department news, group class schedules, program events, the latest issue of the Gavotte, and the Suzuki Parent Handbook

MacPhail Suzuki Booster Club

(formerly the MSA)

The Suzuki Booster Club is a parent volunteer organization that supports Suzuki program members and related activities. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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