Philosophy + Music = CharacterWelcome! Here at Northern Virgina Suzuki Music School (NVSMS), we specialize in violin training and child development by the Suzuki Talent Education Approach.
We also offer Suzuki violin teacher training. Please click here to learn more about our Violin Teacher Training. Why choose the Suzuki Talent Education Approach? It has now been proven by educational psychologists that students who seriously pursue instrumental music further develop their brains and excel at academics as well as music. The Suzuki Approach was conceived in the mid-20th century by Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist who desired to bring beauty to the lives of children in his country. Suzuki’s dual purpose in creating his philosophy and pedagogy was to:
These are the powerful and wonderful byproducts developed while learning to play. All students become musicians. That is to say they become skilled and expressed as players. Some aspire to become professional musicians while others enjoy music as amateurs or informed audiences. |
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Beyond teaching fingers to play...
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Are you the right match for our program?
Our program focuses on providing instruction for your child as an entire person. We work with parents to help our students develop persistence, integrity, humor, focus, memory, generosity, service, musical literacy, sensitivity, self awareness, empathy, imagination and the ability and desire to work through fear. These things, and more, are developed because of the interactive process between child and parent, child and teacher, and parent and teacher. 
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Audition Requirements work both ways.
We ask interested parents to initially come with their child to observe a group class in Arlington or McLean. By doing this we hope the parents will see the many things being taught:
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How it works in our studio
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Lessons: Weekly, year-round individual lessons are scheduled for students at our school location:
6512 Brawner Street, McLean, VA 22101. Recitals: There are three major group recitals a year and two solo recitals on two dates. Every student will prepare and perform. |
Group Classes: Students also participate in three group ensemble classes monthly, two of which are on Saturday mornings, and one on Friday evenings. These group classes are held at the following locations:
Saturday Mornings Memorial Baptist Church 3455 N. Glebe Road in Arlington, VA 22207 Friday evenings McLean Baptist Church 1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101 |
Music is a Family Affair
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Parents are an integral part of each child's learning and growth--there are no short cuts! But enthusiasm, patience, and persistence can ignite miracles. Some questions to consider for parents:
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The Interview Process
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Prospective New Students (Ages 4 - 5.5 years)
Prospective new students and their families will observe a group class. If your family is excited by what you see, we will provide the dates of the next classes and recitals to observe--this is part of your orientation and preparation, as well as to stimulate your child's motivation. The recommended observation period for new beginners is about three months. Do NOT procure an instrument until lessons are about to begin. Also, we ask you to read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki, and begin daily listening to the music on the Suzuki Violin School, Vol. 1 CD, performed by Hilary Hahn (a famous Suzuki student), available on Amazon Music, iTunes Store, Alfred Media. |
Prospective Intermediate and Advanced Students with a Suzuki Background:
Intermediate and Advanced students will first observe a group class and then schedule a consultation lesson, if interested in joining the program. Students at this level practice from 1.5 hours to several hours a day. |