Lesson Attendance and Parent Participation
Because the Suzuki Method relies on active parental involvement, an adult who will supervise and support home practice must attend each private lesson. This article explains how parent participation can result in successful music-making.

Student Preparation
Students should arrive at lessons with clean hands and neatly trimmed nails to ensure comfort, proper technique, and care of the instrument.

Daily Listening
Parents are expected to play the Suzuki recordings daily. Regular listening is an essential part of the Suzuki Method and helps students develop musical understanding and familiarity with their repertoire. This article explains exactly how to play the recording for your child.

Practice Expectations
Students are expected to practice daily according to the teacher’s instructions. Parents play a vital role in establishing consistent practice habits and should be present during practice sessions to provide encouragement, reminders, and assistance when needed.

Make-Up Lessons
Make-up lessons are not guaranteed and are offered only as the teacher’s schedule permits. To be eligible for a make-up lesson, families must provide at least 48 hours’ notice of an absence. Each student may receive up to two make-up lessons per studio year. The studio year runs from August through July.

Recital Repertoire
Recital pieces are selected by the teacher. Students and parents are welcome to share preferences and suggestions, which will be thoughtfully considered. However, final repertoire decisions rest with the teacher to ensure that selections are appropriate for each student’s current level and performance goals.

Recital pieces will be assigned no later than four weeks before the recital and may not be changed after that time. This allows students sufficient time to learn, polish, and prepare their pieces for a successful performance experience.

Recital Attendance
Students perform in 2-3 formal recitals a year. Recitals are wonderful opportunities for students to master their pieces and perform for an audience. Students are expected to attend studio recitals. While performing is encouraged, it is not required.

Communication
Success in playing an instrument requires open communication between the teacher, parent, and student. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the teacher with any questions or problems as soon as they arise. There are meetings with the parent at the beginning of the year and mid-year to make sure everyone is on the same page as it pertains to the student’s musical development. Students ages 7 and up are invited to be a part of these meetings.

Studio Partnership
A successful Suzuki education depends on a strong partnership among student, parent, and teacher. Families are expected to support and follow these studio guidelines. If ongoing difficulties arise, the teacher may request a meeting to discuss concerns and determine whether the studio is the right fit for the family’s needs and goals.