The Core Program (age 5+)
The majority of our students are enrolled in The Core Program, which consists of three weekly classes: an individual lesson, a group class for students of the same instrument and playing level, and a musicianship class to build singing and note-reading skills away from the instrument.
We also offer an Advanced Program, which consists of a weekly individual lesson and chamber ensemble coaching. Students in the advanced program perform on special recitals throughout the year.
Individual Lesson
Individual lessons rely on the learning triangle of student, teacher, and parent. There are 32 individual lessons per year, and lessons can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes long. The length of the lesson is determined by the teacher based on the child's age and skill level. Parents are present for the lesson and take notes to help with daily practice at home. Some lessons might involve just the parent to introduce specific techniques and practice strategies, or for a parent/teacher conference.
Group Class
Group class provides an opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, polish pieces for performance, and review the repertoire. These classes bring students of the same instrument and ability level together to create a sense of community. Group classes are led by a teacher with a live piano accompanist. There are 29 group classes per year, plus group class recitals and all-school concerts.
Musicianship
Musicianship is a one-of-a-kind program designed to develop comprehensive musical ability through singing and movement games for our youngest students to composition and complex theoretical and harmonic analysis for our most advanced students. From the first day, students are on their feet singing, listening, conducting, and improvising with rudimentary musical materials. There are 29 musicianship classes per year, plus an annual musicianship showcase.
Enrichment Opportunities
Chamber Music
Chamber music is available for students who have completed Suzuki Book 3 (or equivalent). We encourages students of all levels to play in mixed instrument groups.
Masterclasses
In order to provide exposure to different teaching methods, nationally-renowned Suzuki instructors are invited to the school to give workshops and masterclasses for teachers and students.
Public Concerts
Our student perform throughout Greater Boston at places such as Newton's Fall Harvest Fair, the Prudential Center, Chestnut Hill Mall, December holiday celebrations, and other public events.
Tour Group
In Harmony is our traveling tour group. Students learn a completely memorized program with choreography and perform at local venues, leading up to a final trip and musical exchange with another community.
Community Outreach
Our students share their joy of music at local assisted living communities. This program is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the Newton Cultural Council.
Program Exchange
Our students have opportunities to play and visit with other national and international Suzuki programs. Past exchanges have included Miami, Cape Cod, Montreal, and Bermuda.
How to Enroll
Step 1: Meeting the Registrar
The first step in our enrollment process is to get in contact with the Registrar. You can choose to set up an online meeting to ask questions via Zoom, or ask questions via email about the programs to clarify any confusion.
Please send an email to email@suzukinewton.org to get in touch and set up a meeting.
Step 2: Observation
In order to give you an inside look into our program, we invite parents and students enrolling in the Core program to observe lessons. We have pre-recorded lessons available to view on YouTube (links will be provided upon request), or you can observe in-person if all parties involved are comfortable with this during COVID-19. You can also join hybrid classes via Zoom to observe.
Step 3: Scheduling
After you have completed your observation requirement, the Registrar will work closely with you to put together your weekly schedule, guide you through our registration forms and policies, and help you set up a tuition payment plan.
Annual Tuition & Fees
Registration Fees: $45 per student
Core 30
$3,048
Includes one 30-minute individual lesson, one group class, and one musicianship class per week
Group Class Only
$1,128
Students who study with a private Suzuki teacher can enroll in weekly instrumental group classes at our school.
Core 45
$3,918
Includes one 45-minute individual lesson, one group class, and one musicianship class per week
Musicianship Only
$816
Students studying music outside of our school can enroll in our unique musicianship curriculum.
Core 60
$4,836
Includes one 60-minute individual lesson, one group class, and one musicianship class per week
Chamber Music Only
$1,134
Young musicians are welcome to join a chamber ensemble of 2-4 students for weekly coaching with our faculty.
Financial Assistance
James Thornblade Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are available based on financial need. To apply, parents submit a scholarship application form along with a copy of your tax return and a $45.00 scholarship application fee.
Rebecca Pomroy Scholarship Fund
Available to a female students who reside in Newton, the Rebecca Pomroy Scholarship supports need-based scholarships for music education and early childhood education at SSN through a special grant. Applicants should follow the same procedure as described above.
Akira Isihara Memorial Violin Scholarship
The Akira Isihara Memorial Violin Scholarship provides need-based aid to violin students at SSN through a special grant. Applicants should follow the same procedure as described above.