CSI Student Program
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2026
Join Suzuki music school students and Suzuki music teachers from across the country for the Chicago Suzuki Institute (CSI), an unforgettable week of musical growth, friendship, and fun!
***NEW LOCATION***
New this year, the Music Institute of Chicago is pleased to partner with Northeastern Illinois University to offer the Chicago Suzuki Institute on its beautiful campus.
Northeastern Illinois University
3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue | Chicago, IL
Ample FREE parking is available
Student Program Details
For Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and piano students
Suzuki Book 1 and up | ages 4-18
***Students must have completed their Twinkles to enroll in CSI.***
CSI's student program provides a special opportunity for children and their parents to study music in the beautiful setting of Northeastern Illinois University. While studying the Suzuki repertoire, students experience dramatic musical growth through inspired teaching from our excellent faculty, the motivating presence of their peers, and the nurturing support of their parents.
Students receive a combination of classes providing individual attention and group participation. The inspiration of the week invigorates the musical studies of the children throughout the year.
Student Recitals
Students have opportunities to perform in solo afternoon recitals during the week. Final group festival concerts and student orchestras perform on the final day.
Repertoire Review List
This list is a guide for practicing in preparation for attending the Chicago Suzuki Institute. The clinicians are given this list as a reference point for the classes. They may or may not limit the class to these pieces. In order to prepare for CSI, please have your child polish the pieces they know on the repertoire review list to the best of their ability. Much of the benefit of attending an event like this is accomplished in the preparation. Ask your teacher for motivating review suggestions and listen to the recordings of previously learned pieces. You and your child may be pleasantly surprised that they can play the "old" pieces like the recording.
Student Schedule
Parents or caregivers for students under 16 years old must attend all classes and activities with the students.
Monday, July 6
9:00 - 10:00 am Student Check-In
10:00 am Orientation
11:00 am - 5:15 pm Classes
Tuesday, July 7 - Friday, July 10
9:00 am - 5:15 pm, Monday-Friday
Saturday, July 11
9:00 am - 3:30 pm Classes and Final Festival Concerts
Student Program Tuition
Book 1-4: $630
Includes one Suzuki master class hour, enrichment, repertoire and technique class, and a CSI T-shirt.
(4 hrs/day)
Books 5+: $730
Includes one Suzuki master class hour, orchestra, repertoire, technique class and either a small ensemble or enrichment class, and a CSI T-shirt.
(5 hrs/day)
CSI Faculty
All classes will be taught by members of the renowned CSI faculty!
Violin
Elisa Barston
Ryan Caparella
Lisa Deakins
Colleen Fitzgerald
David Levine
Susan McDonald
Ann Montzka Smelser
Ashley Pensinger-Sok
Viola
Sarah Bylander Montzka
David Levine
Cello
Amy Barston
Pam Devenport
Nancy Hair
Abbey Hansen
Philip Lee
Linc Smelser
Laura Usiskin
Meredith Blecha Wells
Collaborative Pianists
Mary Drews
Timothy Mah
Piano
Susanne Baker
Caroline Fraser
Marina Obukovsky
Susan Tang
Christina Tio
Grace Wong
Small Ensemble Coaches
Elisa Barston
Aaron Kaplan
Hope Shepherd
Linc Smelser
Enrichment
Lisa Deakins (Fiddling)
Aaron Kaplan (Orchestra)
Karl Montzka (Improvisation)
Sarah Bylander Montzka (Dalcroze)
Suzuki Teacher Training
Monday, July 6 -Monday, July 13, 2026
July 6-11: Northeastern Illinois University (3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL)
July 12-13: Music Institute of Chicago's Winnetka Campus (300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL)
The Chicago Suzuki Institute is a "laboratory" for the study of the teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Prospective teachers as well as experienced teachers will find opportunities to develop and refine the art and craft of teaching through short-term courses approved by the Suzuki Association of the Americas taught by internationally acclaimed educators.
Every Child Can! (ECC) with Abbey Hansen: July 2-3, 2026 - virtual
July 2-3, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm (CST)
Cello Unit 1 with Abbey Hansen: July 6-13, 2026 - in-person
July 6-11, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University (3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL)
9:00 am - 12:00 pm with observations taking place between 2:15-5:15 pm (CST)
July 12-13, 2026
Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka campus (300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
Violin Unit 1 with Colleen Fitzgerald: July 6-13, 2026 - in-person
July 6-11, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University (3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL)
9:00 am -12:00 pm with observations taking place between 2:15-5:15 pm (CST)
July 12-13, 2026
Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka campus (300 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (CST)
Piano Unit 2 with Caroline Fraser: July 6-11, 2026 - in-person
July 6-11, 2026
Northeastern Illinois University (3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL)
9:00 am - 12:00 pm with observations taking place between 2:15-5:15 pm (CST)