Instrument Class Descriptions
Master Class - Piano, Flute, Violin, Viola, or Cello
Class with two other students working at a similar level with one of our piano, flute, or strings faculty.
Group Lesson for Piano
Music theory, performance, and lots of group fun with one of our piano faculty.
Group Lesson for Flutes, Strings
Ensemble playing with other flute or string players based on the Suzuki repertoire.
Instrument Elective Descriptions
Second Suzuki Instrument Master Class - Piano, Flute, Violin, Viola, or Cello**
If you are studying a second Suzuki instrument at home, you can elect to have a master class each day with two other students working at a similar level with one of our piano, flute, or strings faculty.
Chamber Music**
Students will be grouped with up to six other students and instrument coaches to work on the ensemble aspects of a piece (or pieces). Music will be sent to students in mid-late May to allow time to prepare before student arrives at GMSI. We have music for students new to ensemble work, as well as intermediate and advanced level ensemble students. This class is open to students in Book 3 and up. Students must have good music reading skills. All ensemble groups will perform at our final concert on Friday. (Note that we will consider a late book 2 student with good reading skills for this elective.)
Piano for 4 Hands**
This class pairs piano students to work with a piano coach on duets and is open to piano students in Book 2 and up who have music reading skills. We strongly encourage all pianists to consider this elective! Beginning, intermediate, and advanced music is available, and will be sent to the students in late May to allow time to prepare before the student arrives at GMSI.
Orchestra
Two levels of orchestra are offered this year. Orchestra 1 offers ensemble playing experience for Suzuki Volumes 1 and 2 string students. Orchestra 2 will be for students in Volumes 3 and 4. Music will be sent out prior to the institute.
Viola for Violinists
This elective is designed for violin players who are interested in acquiring the skills to play the viola. The class will include a study of alto clef along with tips and techniques in making the transition from violin to viola smoothly. A great way to increase a violinist’s marketability!! Open to violinists in Suzuki Volumes 4 and up.
Traditional Fiddling (Violin late Book 1 and up), Pete Sutherland
Three levels of this class will be offered. For students coming to the end of Suzuki Violin Book One, the class will introduce beginners to a couple of basic bow patterns used by fiddlers, while learning a few simple lively square dance tunes in the keys of D and A. For those nearing the end of Suzuki Violin Book Two, it’s about the bow! This class will take us further into the world of folk-style fiddling on the violin, where we’ll learn a handful of Irish tunes; polkas, jigs and perhaps a reel in several keys. For those who are working near the end of Suzuki Violin Book Three and beyond, our fiddling universe will expand to take in the syncopated bow work of both Quebecois and Appalachian music and a couple of energetic tunes from each tradition.
** Indicates additional fee.
Elective Class Descriptions
Whenever possible, classes are scheduled so that they include a 3-year age span of children.
Sing, Move, and Laugh (ages 4-8), Susie Smolen
Musical games, sing-a-long songs, fingerplays, and rhythmic activities are all part of this exciting and active class. Each session will include developmentally appropriate and fun musical activities that will reinforce previous musical learning, listening skills, interpersonal and self awareness, and large and small motor coordination. All this while singing, moving and laughing!
Taiko Drumming (all ages), Stuart Paton
Combining mental discipline, physical strength, and creative energy, students can take a break from their regular classes and step into a different and exciting musical world! Like the Suzuki method, taiko songs are taught orally, and are learned by vocal imitation, and keen observation. Students can also look forward to improving their sense of rhythm and timing as they feel the energy of the drums. This class is open to the Rochester Community. Instruments are provided.
Art (all ages), Kate Gridley
Playing with a wide variety of materials and stories, we will create art from life and from our imaginations that reflects our musical community.
Baroque Dancing (all ages), Jane Eubanks
You know the music -- the minuets and gavottes. Now learn the dances that the music was written for! These were the dances that were popular at the time when men wore swords to parties and women wore hundreds of petticoats.
Contra Dancing (all ages), Sharon Pinsonneault
This is a traditional style of dance with partners facing each other in two lines, or side by side in a circle. Many of the steps are the same steps used to square dance, such as promenade, do si do, allemande right & left and swing.
Choral Singing (all ages), Melissa Chesnut-Tangerman
Harmony is easy, rewarding, and so much fun! Using the first instrument you ever got, we'll explore your voice, making beautiful music with other people, singing songs from different cultures with their languages and rhythms.
African Drumming (age 8 and up), Rory Jackson
This class will focus on the instruments and rhythms of the Ga people of the central region of Ghana in West Africa. Instruments are provided.
Composition (age 8 and up), Erik Nielsen, Peter Hamlin
This class offers an opportunity to create music on your own, or in collaboration with other musicians.
Hand Bells (age 8 and up), Sharon Pinsonneault
You can be a part of the hand bell chorus! Music is on large posters and notes are color coded so anyone can play, regardless of age or experience. The bells range in size from large bells with low pitch to very small bells with high pitch. Students have the opportunity each day to choose the size bell in their comfort range and whether they would like to play one or two bells!
What Makes Music Tick? (age 8 and up), Peter Hamlin
An introduction to musical form and analysis. Looking at examples from classical music, popular music, folk music and jazz, students will explore questions such as,: What role does a theme play in a piece? How is variation used? How does the listener know what the composer is up to? Students will bring examples of their own favorite pieces and music they are performing, and learn how these issues are approached in a wide range of styles.
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