CSI Student Program
July 5-10, 2027
Registration Deadline: June 1, 2027
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!
Northeastern Illinois University
3701 W Bryn Mawr Avenue | Chicago, IL
Ample FREE parking is available
CSI Administration
Avi Friedlander, Director
Philip Lee & Julia Wen, Assistant Directors
Christina Tio, Piano Coordinator
Aaron Kaplan, Ensemble Coordinator
Sarah Bylander Montzka, Artistic Director
Questions? Please contact us at csi@musicinst.org.
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 that provide both individual attention and group participation. The inspiration of the week invigorates the children's musical studies throughout the year.
Please note: Students in books 1 through 4 will have 4 students per master class hour and four hours of class time within the 9:00am-5:15pm schedule, and students in books 5 and above will have 3 students per master class hour and 5 hours of class time within the 9:00am-5:15pm schedule.
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 5 - Evanston Campus (1490 Chicago Ave)
4:30 - 7:30 Classes
7:30 Potluck
Tuesday, July 6 - NEIU
9:00 - 10:00 am Student Check-In
10:00 - 10:30 am Orientation
10:30 am - 5:15 pm Classes
Wednesday, July 7 - Friday, July 9 - NEIU
9:00 am - 5:15 pm
Saturday, July 10 - NEIU
9:00 am - 4:00 pm Classes
4:25 - 5:45 Final Festival Concert
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
Katie Bast
Elisa Barston
Ryan Caparella
Lisa Deakins
Colleen Fitzgerald
Kattie Mattix
Susan McDonald
Ann Montzka Smelser
Ashley Pensinger-Sok
Viola
Sarah Bylander Montzka
Ann Montzka Smelser
Cello
Amy Barston
Pam Devenport
Avi Friedlander
Nancy Hair
Abbey Hansen
Philip Lee
Hope Shepherdd
Laura Usiskin
Andrea Yun
Collaborative Pianists
Mary Drews
Timothy Mah
Piano
Susanne Baker
Caroline Fraser
Susan Tang
Christina Tio
Grace Wong
Small Ensemble Coaches
Elisa Barston
Aaron Kaplan
Hope Shepherd
Laura Usiskin
Enrichment
Lisa Deakins (Fiddling)
Aaron Kaplan (Orchestra)
Karl Montzka (Improvisation)
Sarah Bylander Montzka (Dalcroze)
