Program Fees
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1st Sunday of the month October-May 2021/22 | 5pm ET | $120 Suzuki and Jazz Play-Alongs, Improvisation, Games, FUN! with Wendy Tangen-Foster
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1st Sunday of the month October-May 2021/22 | 5pm ET | $120/$20 per drop-in Suzuki and Jazz Play-Alongs, Improvisation, Games, FUN! with Wendy Tangen-Foster
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Welcome to the Education for Happiness Virtual Suzuki Institute!
ONLINE | July 29 - August 3 Ages 5-18 | Violin/Viola | Twinkles through Book 8 Registration Open! At Education for Happiness, we're on a mission to transform lives through heartfelt music education. Our focus isn't just on teaching notes; it's about nurturing character and well-being, shaping a brighter, happier society. Join our Virtual Suzuki Institute – a refreshing alternative to in-person events that often come with hefty costs and logistical challenges. Our virtual space offers an engaging, purposeful learning environment where caring instructors prioritize every participant's needs. What to expect:- Daily Institute meetings fostering a warm, supportive community
- Zoom breakout rooms for interactive, inclusive classes
- Mini Private Lessons, Repertoire Play-Alongs, and Technique-Building Classes
- Enrichment sessions in fiddling, improvisation, vibrato, supplemental repertoire, and chamber music!
- Practice Support & Coaching through our Rollin’ Program
- Nourish Suzuki students and parents, fostering compassion and connections
- Create a home environment that ignites willingness to learn
- Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship during practice
- Develop teamwork, cooperation, and joy in home practicing
- $400 - Full Day Immersive Experience (includes masterclasses)
- $350 - 4 Classes: Institute “Lite”
- $100/a la carte class
Wednesday “Free Day” Schedule (Eastern Time)
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Yoga with Gabe
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Jazzy Play-in with Wendy Tangen-Foster
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Student Recital
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Parent Talk / Question & Answer Session
FACULTY
Gabe Bolkosky
Terry Durbin
Joseph Kaminsky
Steffani Kitayama
Wendy Tangen-Foster
PARENT REACTIONS “The teachers did such an amazing job creating a fun and interactive VIRTUAL camp, where their love and care were shown through so much that these kids really felt safe to express themselves, play, and participate.” “I also love how they incorporated daily themes (kindness, mindfulness, stretching, laughter, and joy). It really helped reinforce the true foundation of the Suzuki Method, “to raise a beautiful soul.” “It has been amazing to watch the spark return to my daughter’s eyes with education and music-making. It’s been a tough year and a half, and I honestly worried how she’d handle another week of virtual learning, but it rekindled her fire and she was so sad for it to end.” “The parent talks and coaching sessions were INVALUABLE. What beautiful messages of compassionate parenting, connection, and how to bring this to the music-making experience.” “My daughter and I enjoyed beautiful moments of TRUE, intentional connection, and I feel like it’s what we’ve been missing. I had so many conversations this week with her about insecurities that she’d never really opened up to me about because I hadn’t really given her the chance. We are so much more excited and empowered to move forward with our musical journey together!” “We weren't sure how a Virtual Suzuki Institute would be, but the EFH Suzuki Institute experience was fantastic! Perhaps our best Institute experience ever! The teachers were top notch and very caring. The daily rhythm was relaxed yet dynamic, and transitioning from one class to another was seamless (no packing up instruments and rushing to another location for the next class). Looking back, the atmosphere was a perfect combination of joy, love of music, and caring for each individual student.” “I liked how much community building happened that week. From my perspective, much of that was down to the morning meeting and using breakout rooms for classes which meant everyone was together on their way to class.” “My daughter and I were able to have really positive moments of connection through the exercises given to us. It has helped us overcome some obstacles and set us up for better musical experiences in the future!” “Everyone's so kind, creative, fun, and helpful!” “I think the biggest takeaway for me was validation of the inner feeling that it's ok if my child's progress waxes and wanes a bit ... that the relationship between us is more important than forcing practice and creating friction between us. “I think the most amazing, powerful experience for me was seeing the respect and love shown to the students! Thank you faculty!” “We loved the focus on balance in teaching and life!” “So many personal ah-ha’s for me in how I define "progress" as a Suzuki parent.” “I was amazed at watching the instructor interact with one of the teen boys and his mother in the Practice-Coaching and seeing how love opens hearts.” “I loved how the Theme of the Day was able to highlight joy and laughter because there is so much if we just look for it.” “It's powerful to be connected with other Suzuki kids/families!” “The EFH Suzuki Institute teaches empathetic parenting in a violin context, but it can be applied in almost any parenting context.” “Being online, you all did a great job! Very impressed! Thank you!” “Thank you for your dedication to children and to your craft. It was a really inspiring week for me and it was so comforting to know how many other like minded parents are out there who love and work and struggle and make mistakes and dust off and try again.” “The EFH Suzuki teachers excel at engaging the children!” “These teachers and directors really succeeded at engaging audiences of all ages virtually, as well as letting their love and care for each of the participants come through! I love the focus on compassion and nurturing: it’s bringing us back to the true foundation of the Suzuki Method!” STUDENT REACTIONS “My favorite thing was laughing and having fun playing violin!” “This was a very great week and probably my favorite camp of all time. All my teachers (and hosts) were very kind and willing to help me with things I struggled on.” “The teachers are very kind, and they help you (or your child if you're a parent) with hard things. The daily focus (Kindness, Stretching e.t.c) is a good way to connect with other folks online. You should try it! : )” -
Register SAA Supplemental Course Mendelssohn and More! with Gabe Bolkosky and Tracy Helming Wiggin. The class gives clear pedagogical steps for previewing, polishing, and performing this beloved and demanding concerto. We aim to make the Mendelssohn Concerto an attainable and accessible landmark along the Suzuki violinist’s journey. Fridays, January 10 - February 7 | 10-11am ET | Online $450
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Register Suzuki Teacher Training Violin Unit 7 with Susan McDonald. This online 15 hour course will focus on Suzuki Violin Book 7 repertoire and technique with discussions surround Suzuki philosophy, parent involvement, group class, and other topics relevant to the Suzuki approach. Trainees should expect to perform the repertoire, participate in group discussions, and complete assignments as given by the teacher trainer.
Fridays | Oct 25 - Nov 22 | 11:30-2:30 pm EASTERN | Online $480 (plus $20 registration fee) -
July 30 – August 2, 2025 | Ann Arbor, MIClick to see faculty
Education for Happiness Suzuki Institute Summer Reset is a unique Suzuki institute as it is geared towards students book 3 and under. It was created with the vision of bringing area families together for an intensive and exploratory fun few days of music. A way to 'reset' the routine and excitement of music for the upcoming fall.
$375 (before Jan 1) / $385 (before June 1)Sample Schedule:9am Master Class (5 students share the hour, each getting a mini private lesson and gain insight by watching their peers private lessons)10am Group Class (students explore new fun ways ways to play their Suzuki repertoire)11am Technique Class (students explore other aspects of music and techniques in fun creative way)LUNCH1 - 2:15pm ENRICHMENT CLASSES (30 min classes)The students will be divided into 2 groups according to age. The groups will alternate 30 minute classes between a music and movement class and Bucket Drumming!Saturday9:30am ShowcaseLooking for our summer chamber music program? Click here!
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Education for Happiness Chamber Music Workshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
*Individual group coachings*Large group classes on chamber music principles, rehearsal process, and performing*Final Performance5 days of chamber music study! Students will be grouped into chamber groups and assigned music. They will have individual group coaching and group sessions with Gabe Bolkosky, Steffani Kitayama, Debra Lonergan and Lauren Pulcipher. Group sessions involve discussion of rehearsal process, score study, chamber music principles and performance. The workshop will culminate in a performance on February 7.February 3 - February 7, 2025 | 4:30pm - 6pm |$300*Registration closes Dec. 6Sample Schedule:4:30pm Large Group Session (all groups will meet together for session with Gabe, Steffani, Debra and Lauren)5pm Individual Group Coachings (each group will have one on one time with a coach)*You do not need to be a Suzuki student to attend -
July 30 – August 2, 2025 | Ann Arbor, MI
Education for Happiness Summer Reset Chamber Music Program is a 3 day chamber music program where students will have focused time dedicated to studying a chamber work as well as larger chamber music concepts. Chamber music is so important to a musician's education because it emphasizes creative collaboration, accountability and joyful music making. The program is based off of director Gabe Bolkosky's PhoenixPhest! Chamber Music Festival. This is a wonderful way to make new friends and 'reset' the routine and excitement of music for the upcoming fall.
All levels are invited to join! You do not need to be a Suzuki student to attend. Ages 11+$375 (before Jan 1) / $385 (after Jan 1)Sample Schedule:9am Technique Class (This will be an instrument specific class where students explore other aspects of music and techniques)9:30am Chamber Coaching (students will have a one on one coaching with their chamber group and a coach)10:30am Master Class (4 students share the hour, each getting a mini private lesson and gain insight by watching their peers private lessons)11:30am Chamber Music Techniques Class (students will learn about chamber music techniques to develop a group sound, shared pulse, etc. as well as rehearsal techniques like score study and rehearsal process.LUNCH1pm Guided Practice Class1:30pm Bucket DrummingSaturday9am Chamber Coaching10am Master Classes11am Final Concert
