Lauderdale Suzuki Group offers group classes that complement the individual lessons a child has in the Suzuki method. We consider group learning to be essential because children joyfully learn from and with their peers. Group classes develop different skills than you will learn with your individual teacher and in home practice and reinforce concepts taught in individual lessons. 
 

















We offer 30 group lessons a year across 3 terms. Each child participates in a Suzuki Repertoire Group and a Musicianship Class or Orchestra/Ensemble when they are older. Music theory is offered as an add-on to children aged 8 and older.
 
Children must always be supervised during classes by a parent or another adult appointed by the parent, where this is not possible. Parents are expected to be active observers of group lessons, just as they are in individual lessons, and to follow up on group class work at home.

Suzuki Repertoire Groups

Your child will be placed in a group where they can continue refining skills they've learned with their teacher while being exposed to more advanced repertoire and techniques. It is normal for children to be in mixed-ability classes with a range of learned repertoire and ages. This is of great benefit to the children as they learn from each other and have the chance to be leaders as well. The majority of each group class will be spent on review material, group technique work, and ensemble skills.

Music and Movement

Music and Movement is a musicianship class for beginners. This class builds general musicianship skills, including singing, rhythm, and pulse. Movement is incorporated through the use of scarves, sticks, and action songs, which help children internalise what they are hearing, leading to more effective and joyful learning. Parents will be actively involved, so please wear comfortable clothing.

Music Mind Games

Music Mind Games classes are game-based sessions that help children develop musical awareness and music reading skills away from their instrument. Our teachers use the Music Mind Games curriculum, which focuses on singing on the sofa, reading and performing rhythms and introducing the stave, building the foundation of musicianship and theory skills. Children typically take two years of MMG before entering an early sight reading group. These groups are vital to children's musical education and development, and they are a lot of fun. Parents are asked to actively participate in these groups. Please be prepared to sit on the floor and join in.
 
Ensembles

Once some reading skills have developed, the children join Ensemble classes. Ensembles focus on sight reading skills, playing in harmony, rhythm, and group playing skills. In the older ensembles, the alto clef is also introduced so that each child has a bit of experience reading in the alto clef in case they may someday play viola in orchestra or string quartets.

Orchestra

Orchestras are our most advanced ensemble for older children in our programme. Our two orchestras do a great deal of sight reading but also study pieces in depth with the goal of polishing repertoire as a group and developing professional orchestra skills. Players in their first year of senior orchestra often enter as violists and may continue to play viola or switch to violin later.

Music Theory

Theory classes are available to children aged 8 or older. These classes cultivate a deeper understanding of how music works, providing children with more tools to analyse their pieces and elevating their personal interpretation of music as they mature. Theory classes also prepare children for the ABRSM and Trinity exams. Theory classes are offered as an additional class for those interested and take place at nearby Highgate Society Hall.