Who can learn at your school?

Our school is a Suzuki Violin school, meaning that we only teach the Suzuki method (also known as the mother-tongue approach). Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy is that every child can learn and develop music talent given a supportive, nurturing and enriching environment. He also taught character first and ability second.

Over the school holidays, we can teach traditional violin students or students learning the AMEB method, but we are a Suzuki school.

How old should my child be to start violin lessons?

The Suzuki method is aimed primarily at ages 3-6 years (in my opinion), since there is a focus on posture, development of beautiful tone and listening before learning to read. You can start Suzuki method at a later age but it might be modified slightly. Children that are aged 3-5 years may not be ready to start yet and a trial lesson is recommend to see if they are ready to begin.

How much are the lessons?

Group classes start at $22 for a half hour class, and individual lessons start at $60 for a half hour (2025 rates).

What is involved for me as a parent?

The Suzuki method needs the parent to attend every individual lesson and group class as they are learning along side the child. The Suzuki triangle involves the child, the parent and the teacher all working together in a nurturing environment. This means that violin practice becomes a part of your daily routine, and you play the Suzuki Violin recordings for your child as many times as you can every day. By listening to the repertoire, they will learn to absorb the language. You will need to practice with your child every day and be encouraging and positive for them.

Can I just do individual lessons and not group class?

No. In our school, it is expected that your child attends a weekly individual violin lesson with their teacher, as well as the weekly group class.

Can my child join your Suzuki group class?

If your child is learning the Suzuki method and has memorised the repertoire, then they are welcome to join our group classes. If you already have a Suzuki teacher, then we need to communicate with your teacher before they join our classes. We require your teachers permission for your child to join our classes. We love to work collaboratively with other teachers and will always work together to help all our students. We want to create a fun learning environment for all students.

After we join your group class, can we learn from you?

No. Our policy is that we do not accept any students who have joined our group classes as our individual students. We are not in the business of poaching students from other teachers, nor are we set up to be compared to other teachers. Think of our school as the Suzuki equivalent of Melbourne Youth Orchestra. We just want to be able to provide group classes for students who (for whatever reason) may not be able to attend their teacher’s group classes, or may want to have some additional practice during the week.

What are the expectations for my child once they are learning from you?

We ask that every family in our school comes with a positive attitude and a desire to learn. You will only get out what you put in. We expect that students attend a weekly individual lesson as well as a weekly group class, and that they try their best. We encourage all students to be supportive of each other and to learn in a safe space. All students are welcome as we are a non-selective school. All students will be catered for as best as we can.

What performance opportunities can you provide my child?

We regularly provide our students with a Solo Recital every term to build up their confidence and skill at music performing. We also bring our students in groups to perform at hospitals, nursing homes and in the broader Melbourne area to give back to our community.

Should we join the Suzuki Music association?

Absolutely! We encourage all of our families to be a part of Suzuki Music Victoria as they are the Suzuki association which supports our Suzuki community, our Suzuki teachers and all the Suzuki students in Victoria. They regularly run events throughout the year which all our students are encouraged to part in. You can join up here: https://suzukimusic.org.au/membership/

Can you prepare my child for exams or scholarships?

I can only help you with exam and scholarship preparation on the school holidays if you want extra lessons. Suzuki students prepare instead for graduations and regular group performance opportunities throughout the year.

I am not a member of your school but I would like my child to do theory lessons.

We can definitely help you with that! Erica is our amazing theory teacher who teaches on a Saturday morning in our studio. Any student in Melbourne is welcome to sign up for lessons with her.