Fresh inspiration. New friendships. A joyful winter of music.
Spark your child’s enthusiasm for music at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Suzuki Winter Workshops. Led by internationally recognized Suzuki teachers, these workshops bring students and families together to strengthen skills, explore new ideas, and make musical friendships in a supportive, joyful setting.
Through master classes, group learning, and enrichment activities, students build technique and confidence while discovering fresh approaches to familiar music. Parents gain practical ideas to support practice at home and connect with other Suzuki families.
Join us to learn, connect, and bring renewed energy to your family’s musical journey!
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Strengthen and learn new skills while fueling friendships.
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Internationally recognized Suzuki teachers lead the workshops.
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Special activities include master classes and enrichment.
Suzuki Violin Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2027 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 7, 2027 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Winnetka Campus
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2027
Tuition for both days
Book 3 and below: $125 per student
Book 4 and up: $160 per student
Clinicians:
Fumi Nakayama, Enrichment (Dalcroze)
Carrie Salisbury
Katie Bast
Ryan Caparella
Mary Drews
Suzuki Viola Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2027 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 7, 2027 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Winnetka Campus
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2027
Tuition for both days
Book 3 and below: $125 per student
Book 4 and up: $160 per student
Clinician:
Katie Bast
Fumi Nakayama, Enrichment (Dalcroze)
Role of the Parent at Suzuki Workshops
- To attend group lessons and take notes on techniques and musical concepts stressed.
- To practice with your child the ideas worked on in class.
- To arrive in plenty of time for class. Late arrivals mean stopping the entire class for tuning.
- To not distract your child with gestures and critical looks.
- To discuss with your child the purposes of group class and what the appropriate behavior should be.
Suzuki Cello Workshop
Saturday, March 6, 2027 - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 7, 2027 - 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Evanston Campus, 1490 Chicago Avenue
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2027
Tuition for both days
Book 3 and below: $125 per student
Book 4 and up: $160 per student
Clinicians:
Dr. Meredith Blecha-Wells
Aaron Kaplan
Peter Thomas
Dr. Lauren Posey
Mary Drews
Fumi Nakayama-Dalcroze
Detailed Schedule:
Pre Twinkle
Saturday 10:00-12:00
Sunday 3:30-4:30
Book 1
Saturday 10:00-2:00
Sunday 2:30-4:30
Book 2 and 3
Saturday 1:00-4:00
Sunday 1:30-4:30
Book 4 and above
Saturday 1:00-6:00
Sunday 12:30-4:30
*Times subject to change
Special presentation on electric cellos and looping styles with Peter Thomas
on Saturday March 6th at 1pm in Nichols Hall
We will do our best to coordinate schedules to accommodate CYSO students' rehearsal schedules on Saturday and Sunday.
Purpose of Suzuki Workshops
- To work on and reinforce techniques and musical concepts learned in the private lesson.
- To learn more advanced techniques through review of previously learned materials.
- To become musically flexible by accepting and reacting to different interpretations.
- To improve skills in following directions.
- To instill discipline in following the leader (orchestra preparation).
- To become a better audience.
- To learn to work together as a team.
- To learn to offer constructive criticism in a positive environment.
- To provide a social and educational environment for motivation.
- To prepare for performances.
- TO HAVE FUN!
Role of the Student in Suzuki Workshops
- To be up to date on review pieces.
- To practice at home what was presented in the group class.
- To show respect for students, parents, and teachers.
- To listen to the teacher and react quickly to instructions.
- To remain in rest position while the teacher is talking.
- To sit and watch attentively while more advanced students are playing.
- To line up for tuning as soon as the instructor enters the room.
- To sit quietly on the floor after being tuned.
- To have all snacks consumed before class begins.