Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute Inc.

with Laura Nerenberg (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

Did you know Beethoven was known first as an improviser, then as a composer? Come learn the skills that unlock your own creative voice in a judgement-free, fun environment.

Laura Nerenberg will create a customized class for students on any instrument to gain confidence in their musical abilities and create compositions together that have never existed before.

Students will learn about harmony, rhythm, learn how to solo and be a supporting player in this fun and engaging class. Students wishing to get started improvising before SOSI begins, can contact Laura directly for guidance by email.

Students eligible: Pianists or string players in Bk. 2 and above

Cost: $125 CDN

with Marion Samuel-Stevens (ON)
IN PERSON only

We are thrilled once again to have Canadian soprano Marion Samuel-Stevens return as our Operetta director. Marion has been described as an engaging, direct performer and actress. Her performances range from the intimacy of a recital to the grandeur of opera. Equally comfortable on the operatic and concert stage, Marion is sought after for her subtle interpretations of text and character, as much as for her warm, supple and luminous voice. She is also a wonderful teacher, choir director, and a vocal/choral coach for Guelph Youth Singers.

This year’s operetta will be ALICE IN WONDERLAND!

Students will have the opportunity to sing, act, dance, and create the set for this always popular production. A variety of large and small roles are available; everyone has something to contribute!

Students/parents eligible: Violinists/Violists/Pianists in Bks. 1-6; Cellists in Bks. 1-3 (Operetta conflicts with Cello Choir). Enrolment limited to 30 students. First-come, first-served.

**Please Note that parents are expected to volunteer for at least one hour during the week to assist the Operetta faculty. A sign up sheet for volunteer positions will be circulated at the Casting Call on Sunday afternoon.

Cost: $125 CDN

with Marion Samuel-Stevens (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

An all inclusive singing circle that will focus on the joy of singing together. Through unison and simple harmonies we will build confidence and freedom in your voice. Simple technical strategies will help you discover (or rediscover) the magic of singing. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can join!

Students eligible: All ages and instruments, including parents!

Cost: $125 CDN

with Marion Samuel-Stevens (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

This class will build on existing vocal techniques to help you gain more skills and knowledge of your instrument. We will work with 2-3 part harmonies and improvisation to increase your musical and vocal freedom. We will also discuss vocal pedagogy and you will walk away with a deeper understanding of your voice, breath and articulation and how they function as a team.

Students eligible: All ages and instruments, including parents!

Cost: $125 CDN

with Amber Ghent (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

Cellists will now be able to learn the techniques and playing style needed to "fiddle" on their cellos! Cellists in Bk. 2 and beyond will be introduced to the world of fun and fiddling that violinists and violists have long enjoyed, including how to turn any piece into a fiddle tune and learning lots of new tunes during the class.

Students eligible: Cellists, Bk. 2 and above

Cost: $125 CDN (includes materials)

with Julia Bowdring (NL)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle? It's all in the playing style. In this always popular class, you will explore techniques that let you turn any piece into a fiddle tune. Learn tunes from different fiddling traditions, and get your feet tapping!

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

Cost: $125 CDN (includes materials)

with Arie van de Ven (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

Klezmer is a jewish dance music tradition originating in Eastern Europe. In this class we will learn traditional melodies & accompaniment styles building arrangements together collectively as an ensemble.

Students eligible: Book 4 & above, any instrument

Cost: $125 CDN (includes materials)

with Arie van de Ven (ON)
IN PERSON & ONLINE

In composition class, we will learn creative ways of building & generating musical ideas in the moment. Taking inspiration from ensembles like the Instant Composers Pool and creative sound researchers like Pauline Oliveros and R. Murray Schafer, we will invent ways of building musical compositions quickly & creatively as a group. Please come to this class with your instruments and open ears.

Students eligible: Book 4 & above, any instrument

Cost: $125 CDN (includes materials)

Senior or YAP String and Piano program students perform together, and hone their ensemble skills.

Players will study and polish a piece of chamber music under the experienced guidance of one of our faculty members.

Note: This is already included for pianists in the Senior and YAP piano programs. Some students will have their first String/Piano Chamber Ensemble class on Sunday.

Practice Rooms: Practice rooms will be reserved on Sunday for those students who wish to rehearse before their first String/Piano Chamber Ensemble class.

IN PERSON only

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

Cost: $190 CDN

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 or four 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. Enrolment limited. First-come, first-served.

Students eligible: Any SOSI parent or TD participant who plays violin, viola, cello, bass or piano.

IN PERSON & ONLINE

Cost: $250 CDN

APPLY NOW

Siblings of SOSI students who are 3 to 5 years old, but who aren’t yet studying an instrument, can enroll in our “sibling class”, a one-hour class that meets daily. The sibling class will have the same teacher and curriculum as our youngest pre-reading classes.

Cost: $250 CDN

IN PERSON & ONLINE

APPLY NOW (using the regular String Application form)