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BETTER TOGETHER!
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Massachusetts
Suzuki Festival 2023!
March 11th & 12th, 2023
*New Location*
University of Mass-Lowell
35 Wilder St., Lowell, MA
The Massachusetts Suzuki Festival is a two-day annual event for Suzuki students, parents, and teachers from across the state and beyond. Participants enjoy masterclasses, Suzuki group classes, enrichment classes, performances and much more for Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Piano and ECE.
Better Together!
We are so excited for the return of our in-person festival!
We can't wait to play together, listen together, grow together! We are a strong Suzuki community that is even better when we come together. Join us for a weekend of guaranteed fun inspiration!
Basic Information
*All information subject to change--please check the website regularly for up-to-date information!
Held In-Person at University of Massachusetts Lowell, Music Department, 35 Wilder St. Lowell, MA: Our New Location is just 30-45 minutes north of the Boston and Worcester areas. Ample FREE parking is available across the street.
What to have: Students should have what you normally bring to a lesson. One parent/guardian is expected to stay with their child for the entirety of the festival.
What to wear: Wear something comfortable to move and participate as you would in any class. Please no pajamas. Festival T-shirts can be ordered with registration and will be available for pick-up at the Welcome Desk. Masks are optional, but encouraged. Please bring a mask as some classes and clinicians may request masks. This policy may change with the health guidance at the time of the festival.
Schedule: On Saturday, Masterclasses will be held 12-6pm and will begin on the hour and run for 55 minutes each. Teacher Workshops will be held 12:00-6:00pm.
On Sunday, student classes will run 9am-3pm. Each class is 45-minutes with a 15-minute passing time between classes. Lunch will be one hour from 12:00-1:00pm. The day will end with a String Play-In and Guitar and Piano Recitals.
Sunday Lunch: You may choose to bring a bag lunch and eat at the UMass Lowell cafeteria or visit local nearby eateries in the area.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available! To apply, go to the Scholarship Information and Application on the Student Information page. All scholarship applicants receive the Early-bird discount.
COVID-19 Policies: The MA Suzuki Festival is following guidance from the MA Department of Public Health and CDC’s most recent guidelines. All policies are subject to change with the guidance at the time. The Covid-19 protocols are as follows:
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Masks will remain optional for all individuals. However, certain clinicians may require that masks be worn. Therefore, please have one available if needed.
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We ask that all participants and attendees conduct self-screening of Covid-19 symptoms before arriving at the festival. If you have been exposed or are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, please refer to guidance for best practices to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Questions? Contact us at www.suzukifestival@gmail.com
General Schedule
*All information subject to change--please check the website regularly for up-to-date information!
Saturday, March 11th
Student Masterclasses: 12:00-6:00pm
Please note that all Masterclasses are scheduled on Saturday only. No Masterclasses will take place on Sunday.
Teacher Workshops (1 hour and 45 min): 12:00-6:00pm
Workshops are open to teachers of any instrument, unless specified.
All workshops will be recorded and provided for future viewing. There will be no live-stream available.
Sunday, March 12th
Sunday Festival Activities 9:00-4:00pm: The schedule varies depending on the student's instrument/level:
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For Book 1 and above students, it consists of a Suzuki group class, a family concert and 3 enrichment classes.
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For Pre-Twinkle students, it consists of a Suzuki group class, a family concert and 1 enrichment class in the morning.
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For Early Childhood Education (ECE) students, it consists of a Suzuki ECE class and a family concert in the morning.
Class assignments are based on age and level. Classes are 45-minutes each with a 15-minute break between classes and a lunch break from 12:00-1:00pm. The day concludes with the Festival Orchestra Concert, String Play-in and Guitar and Piano Recitals 3-4pm.
Sample Sunday Festival Schedule for Book 1+ students:
9:00am-9:45am: Suzuki Group Class
10:00-10:45am: Enrichment Class
11:00-11:45am: Family Concert
12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00-1:45pm: Enrichment Class
2:00-2:45pm: Enrichment Class / Festival Orchestra Rehearsal
3:00-3:45pm: Festival Orchestra Performance / String Play-in / Recitals
Class Descriptions
Saturday Masterclasses
During a 55-minute masterclass, students take turns performing for a master teacher and receive feedback in front of their peers. For the remainder of the class, they learn through observation. Masterclasses will take place hourly on Saturday between 12-6pm. Book 1 students are assigned to groups of 4 and receive approx. *13-14 minutes of instruction each, Book 2-3 students are assigned to groups of 3 and receive approx. *18-19 minutes of instruction each, and Book 4 and older students are scheduled with 2 students per class and receive approx. *27-28 minutes of instruction each. *Actual time may vary by discretion of the clinician. Students and parents are expected to stay for the entire masterclass. Sunday schedules will not include a masterclass. Therefore, if you want a masterclass, please sign up for one on Saturday.
Suzuki Group Class
In Suzuki group classes, students review common repertoire by joining in fun activities with their peers.
Suzuki Early
In Suzuki group classes, students review common repertoire by joining in fun activities with their peers.
Improvisation with Creative Ability Development
Creative Ability Development (CAD) is an improvisation method developed by Suzuki teacher Alice Kanack. Through a series of games and exercises, we'll explore the safe space of CAD, where mistakes don't exist, and the goal is just to see "what happens" as we create together.
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Eurhythmics
Based on the pedagogy of Emile Dalcroze, this dynamic and active class explores music through movement, ensemble, singing and improvisation.
Fiddling
String students will learn a fun tune and elements of the style that give it a specific sound. More advanced students will delve more deeply into stylistic elements, bowings and maybe even some improvisation!
Folk Dancing
Through dance, children learn teamwork, motor and locomotive skills, spatial relationship, and geographic awareness. Musically, they have the chance to play with different time signatures as well as varied musical sounds and traditions from around the world. They also learn key social skills including their relationship to others, their responsibility for their own actions, and how they affect the entire group.
Hand Drumming
Description Coming Soon!
Music History of the Lion King
Explore the famous stories written by Shakespeare more than 400 years ago! His famous play called Hamlet was turned into a musical called The Lion King from which we will be learning both the story
and music.
Piano Keyboard Lab
Discover the fun of music making, guided by your intuition! Here is your chance to tap into your creativity and artistry for a rewarding musical time. Let yourself go!
Festival Orchestra
Violin, Viola and Cello students in Book 4 and above are invited to participate in the Festival Orchestra. Rehearsals will take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with a final performance at 3pm on Sunday.
String Play-In
Violin, viola and cello students with play together to conclude the day.
Guitar and Piano Recitals
Piano and Guitar students are encouraged to share what they are learning and perform a piece to conclude the day.
Saturday Masterclasses
During a 55-minute masterclass, students take turns performing for a master teacher and receive feedback in front of their peers. For the remainder of the class, they learn through observation. Masterclasses will take place hourly on Saturday between 12-6pm. Book 1 students are assigned to groups of 4 and receive approx. *13-14 minutes of instruction each, Book 2-3 students are assigned to groups of 3 and receive approx. *18-19 minutes of instruction each, and Book 4 and older students are scheduled with 2 students per class and receive approx. *27-28 minutes of instruction each. *Actual time may vary by discretion of the clinician. Students and parents are expected to stay for the entire masterclass. Sunday schedules will not include a masterclass. Therefore, if you want a masterclass, please sign up for one on Saturday.
Suzuki Group Class
In Suzuki group classes, students review common repertoire by joining in fun activities with their peers.
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Suzuki Early Childhood Education (ECE)
This class is for children ages 0 - 4 and an accompanying adult. The ECE class uses song and movement as a beautiful introduction to the Suzuki method for babies and toddlers.
Improvisation with Creative Ability Development
Creative Ability Development (CAD) is an improvisation method developed by Suzuki teacher Alice Kanack. Through a series of games and exercises, we'll explore the safe space of CAD, where mistakes don't exist, and the goal is just to see "what happens" as we create together.
Broadway FUNdamentals
Join SkyRise Theater and dive into the art of performing on stage. We will explore a song and incorporate movement while discussing character traits, and emotions. Students will also learn tips for public speaking, and getting comfortable speaking/singing in front of others. Grow your confidence in performance and sharing your unique voice!
Fiddling
String students will learn a fun tune and elements of the style that give it a specific sound. More advanced students will delve more deeply into stylistic elements and bowings.
Folk Dancing
Through dance, children learn teamwork, motor and locomotive skills, spatial relationship, and geographic awareness. Musically, they have the chance to play with different time signatures as well as varied musical sounds and traditions from around the world. They also learn key social skills including their relationship to others, their responsibility for their own actions, and how they affect the entire group.
Hand Drumming
Get ready for a fun and upbeat rhythmic experience of Marcus Santos’ home country; Brazil!
Musical History Tour of the Lion King
Even though Shakespeare lived more than 400 years ago, his stories continue to be the inspiration for some of our favorite music. In this class students will learn about A Midsummer Night's Dream with Mendelssohn, Romeo and Juliet with Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Bernstein, and Hamlet with Elton John. Using costumes and media, students will then bring the story of The Lion King to life, exploring how this modern telling of Hamlet comes together with our favorite songs.
Piano Keyboard Lab
Discover the fun of music making, guided by your intuition! Here is your chance to tap into your creativity and artistry for a rewarding musical time.
Festival Orchestra
Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano students in Book 4 and above are invited to participate in the Festival Orchestra. Students in Book 3 may participate on the recommendation of their private lesson teacher.
Students must register for Sunday Festival Activities to participate in the Festival Orchestra.
Please prepare parts in advance of rehearsals. Rehearsals will take place on Saturday, March 11 at 4:00-5:30pm and Sunday, March 12th during the final class period. A final performance will take place at 3pm on Sunday.
Link to Festival Orchestra piece "Forever Joyful" parts
Link to RECORDING of Festival Orchestra piece "Forever Joyful"
Assignment of Violin Parts:
(Please consult with your private lesson teacher concerning part level and preparing your part.)
Violin I = Late Book 4/Book 5+
Violin II = Book 4
Violin III = Book 3/Early Book 4
If you would like to join the orchestra, or have questions concerning part levels, please email suzukifestival@gmail.com
String Play-In
Violin, viola and cello students with play together to conclude the day.
Solo Recitals
Piano and Guitar students are encouraged to share what they are learning and perform a piece to conclude the day.
