ASK THE STAFF Q & A

How will the Suzuki Program help my child?
Last year, a mother called us after Institute and thanked us profusely.  She said her child adamantly wanted to quit the violin earlier in the summer, and it took all her strength and patience to get her child to attend Institute.  During the week, the child's attitude was transformed.  She loved her teachers and her new friends.  She loved the performances and special enrichment classes.  Now, said her mother, "she happily practices every day."  We have designed Institute to light the fire under every child so they will excel and succeed not only in music but in life. 

What is the daily schedule like?
Parents are constantly saying that they like our schedule because it is challenging and rewarding without being too intense.  Some Institutes work the children so hard that, by the end of the week, they look like melting snowmen –exhausted and worn out.  We try to keep a nice balance.  Each child has four or five 50 minute periods a day with a ten minute break in between.  They also have an hour lunch and a free hour for practice, recreation and relaxation.  Classes start at 9 and end at 4.  Each day at 4p.m, there is a concert event of some type.  They are encouraged, but optional.  On Wednesday and Thursday, each student will perform a solo piece on a recital.  There are also concerts on Thursday night and Friday afternoon. 

What can we do to get ready for Institute?
To prepare, practice your recital piece until it is polished. Make specific goals with your individual instructor for what each child should come to Institute wanting to accomplish.  Also, review all repertoire by listening and playing.  A specific review list will come with your welcome packet in early June.

Where should we stay?
Hershey and the surrounding communities have some very nice and varied accommodations, and some are not as pricy as others.  There are some very reasonable, lovely, Bed and Breakfasts as well as Camp Grounds.  While prices can be high within Hershey itself, if you are willing to drive out of town a few miles, all prices drop drastically.  

What do we do for lunch?
The Milton Hershey School provides a basic cafeteria lunch for $6.00 a day per person, but to get the lunches you have to sign up for the entire week of lunches ($30 per person) on your Institute Registration Form. Many families pack lunches and eat them outside on the beautiful campus.  There is a fishpond, a lake, and gazebo gardens all within a five minute walk.  You can also go off campus for lunch.  There are several places within a ten minute drive including diners, Subway, Panera Bread, Chinese Food and grocery stores.

Why are there different dates advertised for the Institute?
The Pennsylvania Suzuki Institute offers three programs every year: The Suzuki Student Program, the Young Artist Program, and the Teacher Development program.  Listed below are the dates for each program:
SUZUKI PROGRAM:  July 22-27, 2012
YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM:  July 21-27, 2012
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT:  July 22-27, 2012

How much does Suzuki Institute cost?
Pricing for 2012