Massachusetts
Suzuki Festival 2025!
March 8-9, 2025
Concord Academy
166 Main St., Concord, 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, Flute and ECE.
Music To Grow!
Dr. Suzuki said, "Music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart."
Come share a weekend with our Suzuki community full of inspiration to learn and grow together!
Basic Information
*All information subject to change--please check the website regularly for up-to-date information!
WHERE: 166 Main St., Concord, MA: Our New Location is just 30-40 minutes from the Boston and Worcester areas. Street parking is available as well as municipal lots a few blocks from Concord Academy.
WHAT to bring: Students should bring what you normally bring to a lesson. One parent/guardian is expected to stay with their child for the entirety of the festival. 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.
Sunday Lunch: You may choose to bring a bag lunch and eat in the dining hall of Concord Academy. Local nearby eateries are also available in the area, but limited. Please plan accordingly.
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.
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 8th
12:00-6:00pm: Student Instrumental Masterclasses
Please note that all Masterclasses are scheduled on Saturday only. Assignment of one 55-minute masterclass will be sent approximately one week before the festival. No Masterclasses will take place on Sunday.
4:30-6:00pm: Festival Orchestra Rehearsal (Book 4+, or book 3 with recommendation of teacher)
Teacher Workshops: See our teacher information page for timings and offerings!
Sunday, March 9th
Sunday Student Festival Activities 9:00-4:00pm: The schedule varies depending on the student's instrument/level:
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Book 1+ students: Suzuki group repertoire class and technique class, a family concert and 2 enrichment classes and a final play-in or recital.
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Pre-Twinkle students: Suzuki group class, a family concert and 1 enrichment class in the morning.
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Early Childhood Education (ECE) students: 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, Piano and Flute Piano Recitals 3-4pm.
Sample Sunday Festival Schedule for Book 1+ students:
9:00am-9:45am: Suzuki Group Repertoire Class
10:00-10:45am: Enrichment Class
11:00-11:45am: Family Concert
12:00-1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00-1:45pm: Suzuki Group Musicianship Class / Piano Triolets
2:00-2:45pm: Enrichment Class / Festival Orchestra Rehearsal
3:00-3:45pm: Festival Orchestra Performance / String Play-in / Recitals
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE : Students in Books 1+ may attend Saturday, or Sunday, or both days. A combo ticket discount is applied to registrations for both days.
Class Descriptions
Saturday Instrumental Masterclasses
Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, Guitar and Flute students who register for a masterclass are assigned to one 55-minute masterclass on Saturday.
In a 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.
Family Concert with Folk Baroque
Folk Baroque explores the counterpoint and connections between Baroque music and traditional music from around the world. They perform on period instruments (fiddle, Baroque viola, and Baroque 'cello) and share music old and new, from a variety of traditions. Concerts feature pieces from Bach to ragtime, and centuries-old fiddle tunes to our own compositions.
Dalcroze
Eurhythmics is a study of music through movement and is based on the interaction of the ear, mind, and body. Classes nurture the imagination while encouraging musical exploration and the understanding of musical concepts and skills. Students discover the body as a uniquely expressive musical instrument as they move and react in specific ways to the music they hear. Classes are taught through games, problem solving, and improvisations that focus on ear training, musicianship, and music fundamentals such as rhythm, meter, tempo, form, melody, articulation, phrase, dynamics, texture, and notation, drawn from a broad variety of musical traditions, including classical and jazz. Eurhythmics classes are recommended as a complement to instrumental studies for students of all ages and fosters the development of body awareness, coordination, balance, focus, as well as a strong mind-body connection.
Improvisation
In this class, students will play musical games, explore creating with the musical tools we have, and work to listen and play together. They will be using the Creative Ability Development method developed by Alice Kanack, which is “a method that uses musical improvisation as a tool to develop the creative side of the brain.” No prior improvisation experience is necessary.
Alexander Technique
Our tone, technique and musical expression are all affected by our posture, ease versus tension, and freedom of movement. Alexander Technique explores how we can free ourselves from habits that keep us from playing with our fullest expression and enjoyment. We will explore Alexander Technique principles through play and games with our instruments, repertoire and in different group activities. Parents plan to participate and come ready to move! Bring instruments!
Musical History Tours presents:
The Baroque, Classical, and Romantic Periods
This class for all ages gives an overview of each period in music history. How did each period begin? What ideas are driving musical expression during each period? Who are the greatest composers and their masterpieces from each period? How does all of this relate to the music we are practicing today? Using costumes, audience participation, and recordings of historical performances these questions will be answered during class.
Festival Orchestra
Violin, viola, and cello 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.
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Please prepare parts in advance of rehearsals.
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Rehearsals will take place on Saturday, March 8 at 4:30-6:00pm and Sunday, March 9 2:45-3 during the final class period.
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A final performance will take place at 3pm on Sunday, March 9
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 3/Book 4
Violin III = Book 3
If you would like to join the orchestra, or have questions concerning part levels, please email suzukifestival@gmail.com