Who can Attend LASI?

Enrollment is open to Suzuki violin, viola, cello, bass, and guitar students of all levels who currently study with a teacher who uses the Suzuki method and materials and has taken Suzuki Teacher Training.

I have more than one child - how do I watch both of them?

We strongly recommend each child has a dedicated adult attending with them for supervision and to ensure an adult is present for masterclass. If only one parent/guardian can attend with two children, LASI will make sure that masterclasses are not scheduled at the same time so you will be able to attend both of them.

A second adult is required if you are attending with three or more children—unless one or more of your children are 13 years and older and staying in the Teen Dorm to be supervised by the Teen Dorm Monitor. It is unavoidable to schedule masterclasses that do not conflict with three or more children.

We ask that siblings are able to sit quietly through class so they won’t be disruptive to the students in the class. Faculty have the right to ask families to leave a classroom if a child’s behavior is disruptive.

What’s the age range to attend lasi?

LASI is designed for children ages 4 -18.

I have another child who takes non-suzuki music lessons - what can they do at lasi?

Non-Suzuki students may take select enrichment classes but cannot attend the full LASI program. Siblings attending must:

  • Be enrolled in private music lessons (non-Suzuki/Traditional lessons are acceptable)

  • Meet the minimum class age and level requirements for each enrichment class that they register for.

Can my child attend classes by themselves?

The program is designed with the understanding that parents will be involved, as they are at home, with lessons, practice, and the supervision of their children. The program is designed as a family experience and it is best to have one adult for each young child enrolled. Parents attend classes with their children and help them prepare for the next day’s classes.

Students under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times. Students 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Teenagers 13 years and older (as of June 20th, 2022), who will be staying on campus but will not be accompanied by a parent, must stay in the Teen Dorm to be supervised by the Teen Dorm monitor. Please see Teen Dorm for more information.

My child has just started lessons - can they attend LASI?

Students begin attending LASI when they have mastered all the Twinkle Variations. If your child is still learning the Twinkle Variations or hasn’t added fingers to their pieces yet, they are considered “Pre-Twinkle.”

Please note that "Pre-Twinkle" classes are not offered at the institute. Students must have mastered at least the "Twinkle Variations” in order to attend LASI.

If you are unsure whether your child has mastered all the Twinkle Variations, please consult with your home teacher.

My teenager wants to attend without me - can they do that?

Yes! Any students who are 13 or older by June 20th and staying in the Teen Dorm may attend classes without a guardian present.

How should we prepare for LASI?

Students should review the entire Suzuki repertoire up to his or her current playing level by memory. Specific repertoire lists will be available on this website before the institute.

At the first masterclass, students should be prepared to play a polished piece as a solo for the teacher.  A technically and musically mature piece will help the teacher assess the student’s needs – pick an old piece that you know really well.

What is a master class, repertoire class, play-in?

Masterclass

A semi-private lesson where the student has one on one instruction from a teacher while other students observe. Students are grouped with students who are at a similar level. Prepare a piece to a polished level to play for the teacher on the first day of master class. Students stay for the entire master class, not just their own one on one instruction.

Repertoire Class

A single instrument group class where students go through Suzuki pieces together. Focus is on learning how to play pieces together as an ensemble.

Technique Class

A single instrument group class with a focus on technique.

Studio Class

A group class that focuses on giving the student performance experience.

Play-in

A large group class with a wider range of levels than found in a repertoire class. Play-ins may be multi-instrument.