Institute Tuition Pre-Twinkle-Early Book 1 (Half day, 3-6 years) $175 Strings Books 1-3 $290 Strings Books 4 & up $315 Strings - Bass $350 Piano Books 1 $315 Piano Books 2 & up $350 Flute Institute $350

Barbara Meixner joins the Idaho Suzuki Association again to teach in the Summer Institute Piano Program! Barbara Meixner has been playing piano duets/duos and in other instrumental ensembles for over 50 years. Her little sisters were her first guinea pigs. Later, she earned a B.A. and M.A. in Music from Mills College in Oakland, California. Barbara has been teaching Suzuki Piano since 1978 and has published “Piano Ensemble Music”, second piano accompaniments to much of the Suzuki piano repertoire. Barbara lives in Davis, California with her orange tabby, Pumpkin.

Pre-Twinkle and Early Book 1

The half-day option is designed for students ages 3-6 who have been studying pre-twinkle through mid-book 1. These students attend the following classes from 9:00a.m. to Noon Tuesday - Friday: 1. Master Class 2. Technique/repertoire class 3. Enrichment Class (Music and Movement or Music Mind Games) Students are also invited to stay for lunch and attend the honor recitals and concerts at 1:15. It is highly recommended that each child attends at least one honor recital. There are many benefits from seeing where you can be headed musically, even for the very young. It is also recommended that half-day students attend orientation on Monday at 1:00. This meeting helps students and parents get an overall view of the activities for the week and it is a fun group building experience.

Full-Day Core Class Descriptions

MASTER CLASS provides an individual lesson with a master teacher. There are 3-4 students per class and the class time is shared. Students should come prepared to present a polished piece during the first class.
STRINGS TECHNIQUE provides an opportunity for students to improve tone, intonation, bowing, vibrato and shifting.
STRINGS REPERTOIRE provides an ensemble experience playing the Suzuki repertoire. Music from the repertoire list should be memorized and may be hands alone or together. A listing of the repertoire can be found below
ORCHESTRA provides an opportunity to sight read and follow a conductor.
PIANO READING/THEORY provides an opportunity to improve reading skills. Helpful hints for sight reading will be taught as well as improving technique on chords and scales.
PIANO REPERTOIRE (One of these classes will be assigned to each piano participant.)
ADVANCED CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND ENSEMBLE For advanced string and piano students (book 4 and above), this program offers the opportunity for students to participate in ensemble and advanced chamber orchestra.
These classes are limited to, and required for, string students at the following levels:
• VIOLIN—Suzuki Book 4+ or equivalent—must be proficient in reading skills and have previous orchestral experience
• VIOLA or CELLO—Suzuki Book 3+ or equivalent—must be proficient in reading skills and have previous orchestral experience
• PIANO—Suzuki Book 6+—for Chamber groups, students will be divided into ensembles according to their level.

Traditional students who meet the playing requirements will feel very comfortable participating in this Workshop. Encourage friends to participate in this tremendous opportunity for traditional and Suzuki students alike! Parts will be selected and assigned based on the experience level listed on the Registration form. Music will be sent to the student early so notes can be learned before rehearsals begin.

Instrument Specific Program Details

Our music program is tailored to each instrument, to offer a comprehensive and challenging experience. Please click on the instrument below to view information about that particular program:

Daily Schedule

Parent classes will be held Tuesday - Thursday at 11:00. Parents are encouraged to attend after getting their students settled in class.

Monday: Registration begins at 12:00 leading into the Orientation meeting at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All students and parents should attend the Orientation meeting, information pertaining to the weeks activities will be finalized here. Full Day students will then attend classes from 2:00 - 4:50.
Tuesday: Students have classes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Lunch break is from 12:05-1:10
Honor Recital 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday: Students have classes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Lunch break is from 12:05 -1:10. The Faculty Memorial Concert will be held in the sanctuary at 1:15. All students are highly encouraged to attend this wonderful event where they can see their instructors perform.
Thursday: Students have classes from 9:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. Lunch break is from 12:05 -1:10. Honor Recital at 1:15. There will be an evening concert, beginning at 5:15 where all orchestras and chamber groups will be performing the songs they have learned over the week.

Friday: Students have classes from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch break is from 12:05 -1:00. After lunch is the following schedule of concerts: 1:15 Piano and Flute Concert, 2:15 enrichment recital, 3:30 String dress rehearsal and 5:15 String concert.

Proper dress is required at all concerts, string students wear black pants or skirts (knee length or longer) and white tops (no sleeveless, please) with black shoes for the concerts; piano students should bring nice clothing for their concert.