S.P.A.C.E offers violin, cello and piano for young ages with a supportive and stimulating environment appropriate for each phase of a student's development - from the Sing & Play classes. Suzuki Instruction may begin at ages 3 ½. Each student receives an individual lesson during the week. Guitar and flute is recommended at the age of 8. The pre-intermediate level includes theory and solfège classes. Students who start after the age of 7 are required to have solfège classes as well. In addition, group lessons offer students the opportunity to play music together and learn music reading skills. Recitals and concerts are held each semester/quarter so that each student gains both listening and performing experience. At the end of each semester/quarter students will be graded by a jury committee.

Each student at S.P.A.C.E receives one individual lesson per week. At each lesson, the instructor observes and listens to the student playing several pieces or exercises. This usually includes material the student has previously learned, as well as the piece the student is currently working on. The instructor will also introduce new material. The parent attends each lesson and helps the student work on the material throughout the week of practice at home.

The length of the lesson depends on the student's age, attention span, and level of advancement. Generally, beginners start with 30 minute lessons. As the student advances, the length of the lessons (60 minutes) may increase and the student will be introduced to reading music.

Sing & Play is a class for children 3 ½ - 6 years old and their parents. It serves as a preparation for families interested in studying an instrument within the Suzuki environment, and as an opportunity to have fun for anyone who enjoys music. In Sing & Play, you and your child will be introduced to the rhythms and songs that each instrument begins with at the Suzuki School.

You will begin to develop the habit of daily listening, which is a cornerstone of future lessons and musical training. During class time, in addition to learning the beginning rhythms, the student develops coordination, the ability to listen carefully and respond physically, to start and stop at a set point in time (pre-ensemble skills), and to take turns. Musical concepts such as dynamics & tempo will be introduced. Each child develops individually and moves to instrument lessons at his or her own pace. Remember that regardless of how much he/she participates or seems to "get it", ear-training will always be in progress!

S.P.A.C.E also strongly recommends Early Childhood Classes. Your support, participation, and praise of your child's efforts are very important and make Sing & Play a great start for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

Suzuki string students at S.P.A.C.E also receive weekly or bi-monthly group lessons. The purpose of group lessons is to provide students with motivation, develop their self-confidence, teach reading skills, and to have fun!

Group lessons are often a student's favorite music-related activity. The younger or less advanced students benefit from the modeling provided by older students, and the older students enjoy being leaders. The informal learning situation and practice in front of an "audience" increases the self-confidence of all of the students. Group lessons are also an excellent opportunity for parents to meet each other and share experiences. In repertoire group lessons, pieces are introduced in a vertical arrangement, starting with the most advanced students. As pieces are added, those students who can play them join the group, until everyone is playing Mozart's "Twinkle Variations." The importance of this type of lesson is that young students are exposed to pieces they will learn in the future. Often, a child will learn a new piece simply by attending group lessons.

In summary, group lessons are an important, fun way to expose students to more advanced musicians, to reinforce playing skills, to improve self-confidence and motivation, and to help the parent and child enjoy home practice.