More and more young Suzuki students are becoming hybrid musicians: musicians who are not only fluent in the classical repertoire, but are also fluent with world music and improvisation. Sera's popular  course Music at the Movies will discuss and experiment with improvisational strategies and tailor the music to a visual piece of art—a silent movie!

Available for violin, viola, cello and piano students in Book 2 and above.

Cost: $70 CDN

For students at book 1 and 2 levels only. Limit of 12 participants.

Instructors: a team of violin, viola and cello teachers, led by Joanne Melvin and Carey Beth Hockett, will help participants develop musicianship skills and freedom at the instrument. A variety of activities, based on and around the Suzuki repertoire, will give participants chances to Watch, Listen, Respond, Remember, Move, Sing, Think, Intuit, Relate, and Enjoy!

Cost: $70 CDN

with Gail Haeussler (ON)

In this class, you will be part of a handbell ensemble that acts as one HUGE instrument, with each player being responsible for playing a particular note or notes in a composition.  Handbell techniques, reading music notation, and working together as a team are skills developed in this course. Instruments and other equipment will be provided.  Gail's community performance group, Synergy, performs regularly in Ontario, has toured extensively, and recorded a CD.

Students eligible: All students, Book 2 and above, who can read music.

CANCELLED

This class is offered to any adult (parent or TD course participant) wanting to take semi-private lessons in violin, viola, cello, or piano during the week. Lessons will be scheduled with three students per hour. Each participant will receive five lessons during the week. Participants must have some knowledge of the instrument, and string players must bring their own instrument. Enrollment limited. First-come, first-serve.

Cost: $140 CDN

with Karen Haack (ON)

Younger siblings (age 4 or 5) of enrolled students who are not yet playing an instrument can join a Music and Movement class. Inspired by the teachings of Orff, the course explores concepts of rhythm, pulse, and pitch. Through songs, movement, and percussion instruments, young children will discover the first pleasures of music-making. A parent or chaperone must be present to participate in the class. Please complete a separate application form for each sibling enrolled in the Sibling Class.

Students eligible: Children ages 4-5 who don't yet play an instrument but are siblings of another SOSI student.

Cost: $70 CDN

with Ken Gee (ON) and Margot Jewell (ON)

Senior string and piano students perform together, and hone their ensemble skills. (Note: String/Piano Duo Class is already included for pianists in the Senior Piano program.) Practice rooms will be reserved on Sunday for those students who wish to rehearse before their first Duo class.  Please note that some students will have their first Duo class on Sunday.

Students eligible: Senior string students; Enrollment may be limited.

Cost: $110 CDN

with Joanne Melvin (AB)

What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle? It’s all in the playing style. In this always popular class, Joanne will teach techniques that let you turn any piece into a fiddle tune. Learn tunes from different fiddling traditions. You’ll also learn “actions” and use rhythmic instruments.

Students eligible: Violinists and Violists, Bk. 2 and above.

Cost: $75 CDN (includes materials)

with Clayton Scott (ON)

Music tells a story—a good story. Therefore, this presentation/performance series is conducted in a lively and anecdotal manner. The great operas, ballets and symphonic works come alive as their stories are dramatically retold. A multi-disciplinary approach will gradually unfold the story behind the music, in its historical and social context. Composers will be taken off their pedestals and revealed as real people, living in a real time. The audience will become part of the fabric of the era. Each session will begin with a spirited investigation of the concrete (the social history, manners, clothing, art and politics of the era), and then move to the abstract (the specific musical works, key passages, what in the music makes it a masterwork). This will be demonstrated at the piano and discussed, but always anecdotally, and always accessible to an audience of mixed ages. Finally, a dramatic performance of the work will bring the story to life, told as you hear music recorded by world-class orchestras and singers.

Students eligible:  Any student age 6 and up (parents may attend with their registered children at no charge).

Cost: $70

with Anne Monkhouse (ON) and Moira Nikander-Forrester (ON)

UPDATED! The always popular and fun operetta program presents a comedy, Little Hippy Daisy,.

When the Moon was in the seventh house and Jupiter aligned with Mars - a wealthy Yuppy child was mistakenly picked up and raised by a wandering group of Hippies. She spent her early childhood wondering why she didn't fit in and why her birkenstocks kept falling off. Eventually the Yuppies' and the Hippies' paths cross again. Will "Little Hippy Daisy" discover her true identity? Will the Yuppies recognize their own offspring? Will the Hippies stage a sit in? Or, will this be the "Eve of Destruction". Come out and find out 'What's been a Happenin' now.

Parents may volunteer to assist in this class (their participation is at the sole discretion of the director). Operetta is geared towards children with a strong interest in musical theatre who love to sing. Solo parts are limited. However, every participant will have a vital role as a member of the chorus and the team. Students will be sent a CD to help them learn the songs in advance.

Students/parents eligible: Students ages 8 and up, and not enrolled in the Senior strings or YAP programs, and not in cello choir. Enrollment limited to 30 students (first-come, first-served)

Cost: $100 CDN

NOTE: Eligible students may take one other Optional Class in addition to Operetta. Mini-Institute participants are not eligible.

with Duncan McLennan (ON) and Arun Pal (ON)

If you can read music, here is your opportunity to try WLU’s fabulous percussion equipment—drums, xylophones and other mallet instruments, and lots of toys! In this class, string players will focus on developing their rhythmic reading and improvisational skills. Enrollment is limited. First-come, first-served.

Students eligible: Violinists, violists & cellists, Bk. 2 and above, who can read music.

Cost: $70 CDN

with Jean Barsalou (QC)

Violinists get a chance to explore the tone colours of the viola in a group situation by working on viola ensemble repertoire. Violas will be available to rent for the week at a small cost. 

If you own a viola, please bring it. Appropriate for violinists with or without previous viola experience.

Students eligible: Violinists, Bk. 3 and above; Must be able to read treble clef fluently.

Cost: $70 CDN