“Practice only the days you eat”
GROUP CLASSES Spring 2024!
SPRING 2024 GROUP CLASS WEEKS: Mar 4-8, Apr 1-5, May 6-10 + June 3-7
SPRING 2024 Group Class Schedule
Music Library download sheet music! (password in your confirmation email)
MSA’s Youtube channel
Registration closed friday, march 1st
Our unique format
We differ from other Suzuki-oriented studios in how we implement group learning. We have a unique approach called “Group Class Week.” Group Class participation is required of all students enrolled at MSA (except adult students).
We have fun while we learn!
Our Group Classes are suited for students of all ages and ability levels.
Our 100+ Academy students from all over the Portland area join together in rehearsals and performances.
Class repertoire is exciting & relevant, spans from historic to modern and includes a Songwriting Class to help find new voices.
Scroll down to read how it works.
Our goal is to provide relevant material that is diverse and exciting in order to inspire musical awareness and growth. Many of our classes highlight the forgotten/ignored and beautiful music of BIPOC composers.
HOW IT WORKS
There are 2 sessions of Group Classes: Oct-Jan & Feb-May.
There are 2 Group Class Concerts. One in January and one in May. Group classes take a break during summer.
There are no private lessons during Group Class Week.
Students sign up in advance for class(es) of their choice and appropriate to their ability level.
Students may change classes each session.
Group class allows students to explore music from around the world and we focus the spotlight on previously ignored works of BIPOC composers/performers and cultures. Some examples of our classes are Chamber Ensemble, POP Orchestra, Cinema Music, Fiddle (various genres including Irish, Bluegrass, Appalachian, O’odham), Songwriting, Mixed-Up Music Theory, Beginner Bugs & Electric Strings & Story-telling.
Students are expected to come prepared for each class. Students are supported in their repertoire via their private lessons. Attendance at Group Class is mandatory because everyone is important in our musical arrangements.
MSA students can sign up for as many classes as they want at no extra cost. Yay!
Each class will present their works at our popular & amazing Group Class Concerts in January and then again in May.
WHY DOES GROUP PLAYING REALLY MATTER?
Group playing is key to musical development.
Small class sizes, similar ages and ability levels, as well as consistent classmates will help create the best possible environment for a successful group experience.
Playing in groups encourages our children to continue playing music – quite possibly the most important thing of all. I value this experience and opportunity for learning as much as private lessons.
I often say to students, “There’s no way I’d still be playing music if all I could do was practice alone in my bedroom all these years!”
In groups, people learn to follow a leader and be a leader. We learn to listen to others while playing.
Chances to share music, play games and socialize keeps music from being something your child always does alone! During group class students enjoy playing together and learn from one another.
It’s a good kind of peer pressure/accountability.
At our Group Class concerts, beginning students are motivated when hearing the advanced students and in turn the advanced students are reminded of how far they have progressed.
There is always a spirit of cooperation amongst the students and parents. We foster this and encourage it.