Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute Inc.

Student Institute Aug. 11–16 | Teacher Development Aug. 10–18, 2024 | In Person at WLU & Online

Enrichment

In addition to individual and group lessons, SOSI includes these classes as part of the Junior, Intermediate, Senior, or Young Artist programs, depending on the level.
Orchestra
with Paul Pulford (NB), Margaret Parkin (UK) and Robert Richardson (MB)

We’re together again at WLU and that means Orchestra is Back! Paul, Margaret and Rob will lead our orchestras in a varied selection of music on Friday's Final Orchestral Concert. These conductors have extensive experience working with student orchestras. Prepare to be amazed!

Percussion for Pianists
with Arun Pal (ON)

Using drums, xylophones, and many other exciting percussion instruments provided by WLU, pianists will improve their rhythmic reading and improvisational skills. Lots of fun!

Effective Practising & Confident Performance
with Clayton Scott (ON)

For YAP and Senior piano students: Daily 1-hour Piano Practice Seminar and Performance Practice Workshop with multiple performance opportunities.

We love music - but we are busy. Schedules become more crammed each year. This course is designed to answer the question: “How can I practise efficiently and productively in the least possible time?” The goal is shorter practices with measurable, recognizable results: progress.

This hands-on seminar class will give you numerous approaches to practising the piano: the how to practise. We will work through specific strategies together in class.

Some pianists love to perform; others do not. This class will teach all students how to “practise their performance”. Advice on how to control nerves and developing stage presence are included, with the goal of creating confident, comfortable and competent performers.

For pianists, fear of forgetting the notes can get in the way of an otherwise compelling performance. We will spend time on detailed ways to memorize securely.

Participating students should bring one polished piece to the class and provide a copy of the score to Clayton Scott.

To enjoy both practising and performing, you need to take control. This course will help you do just that. Take ownership of your music!

Cello Choir
IN PERSON only

with David Evenchick (QC)

Cellos "sing" together again in SOSI's unique Cello Choir. The music is fantastic, and the "choir" will perform late in the week. Suzuki cellists Bk. 4 and beyond will receive music to prepare in advance.

Duets for Pianists
Welcome to the wonderful world of piano duets!

For pianists who spend much of their time practising and performing alone, there is nothing more fun and exciting than making music with another musician.

As part of the core program for students in the Intermediate program and those in the Junior program who have the requisite reading skills, students will be paired with a pianist of a similar playing level to study a piano duet which will be performed at the final Piano Concert at the end of the week.

Music is sent ahead of time so that students can learn both parts of the duet before coming to SOSI. The class will focus on the art of becoming a sensitive and confident ensemble player.

More fingers, more music, more fun!

Pre-reading Class
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with Jennifer Stacey (ON)

for students in Bks. 1 & 2, based on teacher recommendation

Jennifer Stacey has been teaching Orff and Preparatory Children’s Music Classes for over 30 years. She has her Orff Post Level III Certificate, Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Music, Diploma in Child Studies and is currently working on her Master of Community Music at Laurier.

Jennifer been teaching the Early Childhood Music Classes, at the Beckett School of Music at Laurier since 2017. She has been teaching the Primary/Jr. Vocal Music Teacher Additional Qualification courses for York University for the past eight years.

Jennifer has been a clinician for music workshops covering such topics as Music and Literacy, Music and Kindergarten, Montessori Music, Music and Science, and Ukulele and Orff, and has written curriculum lessons for the Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA), York University, and York Region School Board. In 2007, Jennifer was part of the Ministry of Education's writing team for the Elementary Arts Curriculum.

Jennifer is also co-founder of Music at Green Gables in Kitchener which has a focus on community music.

FREE! Online Parent Talk
Monday at 4:15 pm

Parents—it's time for a little refuelling.
SOSI offers a FREE online parent lecture tba.

Solo Recitals
Every student at SOSI has the opportunity to perform in a solo recital. If you're a string student, a professional piano accompanist and one free rehearsal is supplied (if required).