Getting Started

The first step is to read through the CCSA Policies and Procedures and other information in the CCSA Handbook. It is important that each family is familiar with and is willing to follow our policies, especially regarding attendance, missed lessons, and make-ups. Please understand that you are not just registering for private lessons, but becoming part of a music program which is much more than just a weekly lesson. If you are in agreement with these polices, you can download a registration form from the website. To enroll your child in lessons you need to send in your completed registration form along with a $75.00 deposit to the address at the bottom of the form. It is recommended that you call the CCSA office at 906/487-3606 to confirm that there is space available before sending in your form. If there is no space available, you can choose to be placed on our waiting list.

How long will my child’s lesson be and how often will they meet?

All private lessons meet once a week: 3 and 4 year old beginners should register for the "Pre-Twinkle Group Class". If there are not enough younger beginners for a group class, then the child will be enrolled for a 30-minute private lesson. A beginning student who is 5 years old and older would have a 30-minute lesson. Moving to a longer lesson is determined by the instructor and is based upon the child's progress and ability to focus for a longer period of time.

Group Classes

In addition to the private lesson, each child should plan on being involved in one of our group classes, orchestras or chamber ensembles. Group participation is at the core of the Suzuki Method and it is very important that your child takes part in a group activity in addition to their private lesson. Students who participate in group classes must also be registered for private lessons. Beginning students will be placed in a group class with students of similar age and ability. As your child advances they will be placed into one of our orchestras or chamber ensembles. Your private instructor will inform you when and where your child's specific group class will meet. The cost for group classes is included in the lesson fee; orchestras and chamber music require an additional fee.

Scheduling and lesson location

Lesson days and times are scheduled with each private instructor. After we receive your registration form and deposit, you will be assigned to a private instructor who will contact you to set up a lesson time. Each of our instructors has a studio in a different location; your instructor will provide directions to their specific location.

Instrument Rental

The CCSA rents instruments to students enrolled in lessons for a nominal fee; much less than violin shops in larger cities. The cost for rental for a 10 week session is $29.00 for a violin or viola and $37.00 for a cello. This fee includes $4.00 for insurance which covers damage and theft. You will be given a copy of our rental contact when you receive your instrument. Beginning students who are under the age of six years old do not begin with a real instrument but are given a pretend instrument to practice on for the first few weeks or months of study. You will not be charged for rental until you receive your "real" instrument. It is up to the private instructor to determine when a child is ready to receive their "real" violin, viola or cello. This is determined by how well the child can focus in the lesson and how well the child is able to take care of their pretend instrument.

Parent reponsibilities/Time commitment

Attendance by a parent or guardian is a requirement at all lessons and rehearsals for pre-teen students and is recommended for all students. It is generally best if the parent who is going to be the "home teacher" is also the parent who attends the lessons. In this way, you can take notes for your child and learn along with them. In the beginning, parents will receive as much instruction as the child. The time commitment at home can vary, but the general recommendation for practice is every day for same amount of time as the weekly lesson. If a child has a 30 minute lesson, they should practice 30 minutes per day. Remember that you will only get out of this as much as you put into it. It is important from the beginning to set good practice habits and to have realistic expectations. A child who only plays once a week at their lesson cannot be expected to progress quickly (or at all) and this can lead to frustration and disapointment to both the child and the parent.

Recitals and Community Performances

The CCSA presents at least five solo recitals, two orchestra concerts and two large group concerts during the school year. Students should plan on performing on two solo recitals per year. Every student in the CCSA is required to play on both the winter and spring large group recitals. In addition to our “home” concerts, we also provide roughly 20 performances throughout the community each year. Once a student has learned enough repertoire to participate they should plan on taking part in at least 3 community performances each year. Each family will receive a calendar listing all of our recitals and community performances so you can decide in which performances you would like to take part. Community performances generally require about a forty five minute time commitment.

Content last updated: 6/6/2011