Foundational Program
Violin Book 1-3
Bass, Cello, Guitar, Viola Book 1-2
Expect Excellence
Our Foundational Program is meant for students beginning their journey on their instrument. Students will be placed in classes depending on their instrument, repertoire and age. Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult the entire time.
Jump To:
Guitar Group Class with Joe Spoelstra
Foundational Curriculum & Tuition:
2023 Tuition: $805 (early bird pricing $785 from February 15th-March 15th)
Each student will have four classes per day, which include:
Master Class: Choose one polished and memorized piece from the Suzuki repertoire.
Group Class: Please visit our Repertoire List for this year’s selection of required pieces.
One Elective Course: Students will rank their preferred elective on the registration form when they register.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the following:
Repertoire Class or Play-in
Performance in Finale Concert on Friday
Scheduled, daily practice during their off hour.
Attendance at various recitals - Faculty Recital, Guest Artist Recital, Honors Recital, Informal Recitals
Students come to LASI eager to learn!
Getting down to basics with faculty member Natalie Brejcha
Fiddling with Taylor Morris
Foundational Enrichment Courses
All Foundational students will automatically be placed in Dalcroze (see below for more information) with Jeremy Dittus and will choose one elective at registration. You may be wondering: what is Dalcroze? Dalcroze Education is a playful, experiential approach to teaching and learning music. It is a process for awakening, developing, and refining innate musicality through rhythmic movement (often called eurhythmics), ear-training, and improvisation. You can learn more at the Dalcroze Society of America website.
Electives Foundational students may choose at registration:
Foundational Orchestra with Bruce Walker - String players late Book 1 and up. Must be able to read music. Students must be at least 8 years old to be placed in orchestra.
Blues & Improv Games with Sherry Luchette - Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Join the fun and learn more about the blues form through movement activities and games, playing melodies, and learning how to solo over the blues on your instrument! We will also learn about trading “fours,” and putting together a group performance piece using all the materials we have learned.
Fiddling with Natalie Brejcha - String players late Book 1 and up, ages 6 and up.
Art Class with Natalie Brejcha - Ages 4 and up.
Students come to LASI eager to learn!
Foundational Sample Schedules
Book 3 Violin Student (Sample Schedule)
Monday through Thursday Schedule
8:00-9:00am Breakfast
9:00-9:45am Monday Welcome / T-Th Class Period 1: Masterclass
10:00-10:45am Monday Play-in / T-Th Class Period 2: Dalcroze
11:00am-11:45pm Activities such as Student Recital, Faculty Recital, Fun Time
12:00-1:15pm Lunch Break
1:30-2:15pm Class Period 3: Fiddling
2:30-3:15pm Class Period 4: Free Time/Practice
3:30-4:15pm Class Period 5: Repertoire Class
4:30-5:15pm Parent Talks/Alternate activities for the students
5:30-6:30pm Dinner
Friday Schedule
9:00-9:45am Class Period 1: Masterclass
10:00-10:45am Class Period 2: Dalcroze
All student classes end at 10:45pm PDT
12:00-1:15pm Lunch Break
1:30-3:00pm Chamber & Orchestra Concert
3:30-4:30pm Strings Finale Concert (Group Class Play Down)
All student concerts end by 4:30pm PDT
Schedule is subject to change.
Cello Group Class with Abbey Hansen.
Foundational Program Frequently asked questions
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.” If you are unsure whether your child has mastered all the twinkle variations, please consult with your home teacher.
What’s the age range to attend LASI?
LASI is designed for children ages 4 - 18
What should I prepare for LASI?
Students should review the entire Suzuki repertoire up to his or her current playing level and should prepare a polished, memorized piece as a solo for their masterclass teacher. It is recommended to pick an old piece that the student knows really well.
Level Up: PREP Program
Violin Book 4+
Bass, Cello, Guitar, Piano, Viola Book 3+
Advanced Level: Young Artists
Violin Book 6+
Bass, Cello, Guitar, Piano, Viola Book 4+
Must be 13 years or older