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. 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 the 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 to 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 teaches solfa, reading rhythms, introduces the stave, and builds basic musicanship 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. The most advanced players work together playing four-part music. In the older ensembles alto clef is also introduced  so that each child has a bit of experiencing reading in alto clef in case they may someday play viola in orchestra or string quartets. 

Orchestra

Orchestra is our most advanced ensemble, for older children in our programme. Led by Clare Clements, the orchestra does a great deal of sight reading but also studies pieces in depth with the goal of polishing repertoire as a group and also developing professional orchestra skills. Players in their first year of 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 understand 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 prepare children for the ABRSM and Trinity exams as well. Theory classes are offered as an additional class for those interested and take place at nearby Highgate Society Hall. Please email our administrator Mallory if you would like your child to join the classes.