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SAVE THE DATE! 

Chicago Suzuki Institute: Summer 2026

Registration opens:  January 15, 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! 

Student Program
Monday, July 6 - Saturday, July 11, 2026

For violin • viola • cello • piano students age 4-17
Books 1 and up

***NEW LOCATION***

Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N St. Louis Avenue  |  Chicago, IL 
Ample FREE parking is available

Suzuki Teacher Training
Monday, July 6 - Monday, July 13, 2026

For violin • cello • piano teachers looking to begin their Suzuki training

July 6-11, 2026  |  Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N St. Louis Avenue  |  Chicago, IL 

July 12-13, 2026  |  Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka Campus
300 Green Bay Road | Winnetka, IL

CSI Administration

Avi Friedlander, Director
Philip Lee & Julia Wen, Assistant Directors
Aaron Kaplan, Ensemble Coordinator
Christina Tio, Piano Coordinator
Sarah Bylander Montzka, Artistic Advisor

Questions?  Please contact us at csi@musicinst.org.


Student Program

CSI pianist with teacher

For Suzuki violin, viola, cello, and piano students
Suzuki Book 1 and up |  ages 4-17

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.

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)

 

Student Schedule

Parents or caregivers attend classes all week 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


Amy and Elisa Barston - Chicago Suzuki Institute (CSI)

GUEST ARTIST RECITAL
Featuring Elisa and Amy Barston
Wednesday, July 8, from 1:00-2:00 pm
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium

CSI Faculty

All classes will be taught by members of the renowned CSI faculty!
Additional faculty members are in the process of being confirmed.

Violin
Elisa Barston
Ryan Caparella
Lisa Deakins
Colleen Fitzgerald
Meg Lanfear
Ann Montzka Smelser

Viola
Sarah Bylander Montzka

Cello
Amy Barston
Pam Devenport
Nancy Hair
Abbey Hansen
Linc Smelser
Meredith Blecha Wells

Collaborative Pianists
Mary Drews
Timothy Mah

Piano
Susanne Baker
Caroline Fraser
Grace Lukman
Marina Obukovsky
Susan Tang
Christina Tio 

Small Ensemble Coaches
Elisa Barston
Aaron Kaplan
Linc Smelser

Enrichment
Lisa Deakins (Fiddling)
Sarah Bylander Montzka (Dalcrose)
Aaron Kaplan (Orchestra)

Ann Montzka Smelser CSI faculty

Suzuki Teacher Training

CSI Teacher Training

Monday, July 6 -Monday, July 13, 2026

 

July 6-11: Northeastern Illinois University

July 12-13: Music Institute of Chicago's Winnetka Campus
(300 Green Bay Road) 

The Chicago Suzuki Institute is also 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.

Specific course listings for violin, cello, and piano coming soon!