Parents and children begin together
In the CMS Suzuki Strings Program children as young as age 4 start to learn violin, viola or cello the same way they learn to speak — by listening, imitating and repeating sounds. Based on the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, children start learning with their parent through individual lessons and group classes.
How to Register for Suzuki Strings Program
CMS only registers new students for the Suzuki Strings program in September and in January.
Step 1: Complete the Lesson Inquiry Form.
Step 2: A CMS staff member will contact you to sign up for Suzuki Parent Orientation (there is a $40 fee for Orientation). The Suzuki Parent Orientation Program consists of three sessions, and is held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters.
- Session One includes a description of the CMS Suzuki Program, a discussion of the Suzuki philosophy and demonstration performances by our current Suzuki students.
- Session Two is a Suzuki group class observation. Parents and children should attend.
- Session Three focuses on what to expect at lessons, followed by registration in the Suzuki program.
Sessions one and three are for parents only and should be attended by the parent who will be the Suzuki practice partner at home. Both students and parents are encouraged to attend the group lesson observation during the second session. Also during the three-week program, parents and their future Suzuki students are expected to observe at least one individual lesson, which gives our CMS instructors an opportunity to meet prospective students and assess their readiness to begin.
Step 3: Students are registered and begin weekly lessons with their instructor. Group classes are held twice a month at the CMS Center in Webster Groves.
Suzuki Strings Program Orientation Dates
| Parent Orientation Sessions | Fall 2024 Semester | Spring 2025 Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Session One | Sept. 14, 2024 | Jan. 18, 2025 |
| Session Two (Group class orientation) | Sept. 21, 2024 | Jan. 25, 2025 |
| Session Three | Sept. 28, 2024 | Feb. 1, 2025 |
More About the Suzuki Strings Program at CMS
The Suzuki method of instruction is based on the philosophy and teaching of the late Japanese educator Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, in which young children learn to play the violin, viola and cello the same way they learn to speak — by listening, imitating and repeating sounds. Just as children learn to read after they learn to speak, Suzuki students learn note-reading after developing aural skills and proper instrument posture.
The Suzuki method creates a partnership among teacher, parent and child. The parent attends lessons and group classes with the child, learns to play the instrument and becomes the “home teacher.” Community Music School Suzuki students listen to the recorded repertoire, attend weekly private lessons, semi-monthly group classes and spend time reviewing and polishing skills along with new material. Students proceed through multiple levels of Suzuki instruction through high school.
Violin: ages 4-6
Viola: ages 4-6
Cello: ages 4-7
Students enrolled in Suzuki instruction will need their own instrument. Because of the nature of Suzuki teaching, the parent will need their own violin or viola. Cello parents will use their child's instrument. To ensure proper size and quality, please do not rent or purchase an instrument until you have been placed in the program and have consulted with your child's teacher.
The Community Music School offers Suzuki lessons at the following locations:
Webster Groves
CMS Center on the main campus of Webster University | 535 Garden Ave. | Webster Groves,
MO 63119
Old Orchard Center in the Old Orchard Center in old Webster Groves | 23 S. Old Orchard
Ave. | Webster Groves, MO 63119
Chesterfield
Leon R. Strauss Center for Music in Faust Park | 14941 Olive Blvd. | Chesterfield, MO 63017
All group classes are held at the CMS Center on the main campus of Webster University in Webster Groves.
| Semester | Semester Dates* |
| Fall 2024 | Aug. 10 - Dec. 21, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | Jan. 11 - June 2, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | June 14 - Aug. 1, 2025 |
*New students in the Fall and Spring will begin lessons after attending the Orientation Sessions. New students are not accepted during the Summer semester.
| Lesson Length | Fall/Spring Semester 2024-25 (18 weeks of lessons and group classes) |
Summer 2025 (6 weeks of lessons) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-minute lesson/week | $810/semester | $216 |
| 45-minute lesson/week | $1215/semester | $324 |
| 60-minute lesson/week | $1620/semester | $432 |
Annual Registration Fee:
A non-refundable registration fee of $30 is assessed once per academic year per student upon enrollment.
Financial Assistance is available including need-based tuition assistance as well as scholarships and discounts.