PRIVATE LESSONS
Violin, Viola, Cello, & Bass
Students study classical music and exercises and receive coaching for music from other ensembles in which the student participates. Private lessons are offered weekly and can be 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length, depending on the age and level of the student and the recommendation of the teacher. Students are encouraged to come early and stay late to observe other students and build supportive social connections.
New Family Orientation *Required for all families.
New families should plan on attending lessons for at least 1-8 weeks, depending on teacher recommendation, age, and/or ability of the child. Families will observe lessons, study the Suzuki philosophy, learn instrument basics, and learn ways to be effective home teachers for their child. Parental involvement attendance is crucial to the development of the young Suzuki student, until the child is older and can be relied upon to practice what the teacher assigns and with great attention to detail. If a parent is unable to attend, the accompanying adult should bring a video recorder to the lesson so that parents may view the lesson later.
Book Graduation
Book graduations celebrate a child's musical milestones. Near the end of the school year, students may submit a video ‘playing test’ of selected pieces within a Suzuki book. The video is reviewed by a panel of teachers, and students who pass will receive a certificate of achievement and award at the Spring Banquet.
100 Days Club
A world-wide Suzuki phenomenon, the 100 Days Club is a practice challenge that is open to all students who choose to participate. The goal is to practice at least 100 days in a row! Students who achieve this goal receive a certificate of achievement at our annual Spring Banquet.
BEGINNER'S CLASS
Early Music Skills
Beginners Class is a caring and supportive environment for young beginners and their parents to explore music in a group setting. Our focus is on playing together and having fun. This class is for students enrolled in Suzuki private lessons. Admission is based upon the recommendation of their Suzuki private lesson teacher.
HARMONY ORCHESTRA
Early Music Skills
The Harmony School of Music Orchestra provides a multi-age, multi-level string orchestra that encourages young students to improve and learn from one another. Advanced students build leadership skills through helping less experienced musicians. Orchestra is available to students enrolled in private lessons or Harmony Sistema programs. The recommendation of their lesson teacher is required to participate.
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Harmony Orchestra connects our school to the community through regular outreach performances. Performing gives each student the opportunity to learn presentation skills while connecting in meaningful ways with their community.
HARMONY SISTEMA
Community Outreach
This programming is based on the highly acclaimed El Sistema educational system which began in Venezuela and has spread throughout the world. Designed by musician and economist Jose Antonio Abreu, Harmony Sistema cultivates character development, leadership development, and skill acquisition for the purpose of positive social change.
Harmony Sistema offers free, intensive music instruction to students at schools that host our program. Johnson STEAM Academy welcomes Harmony Sistema program for a second year.

What are students and teachers saying about Harmony Sistema?
“These diverse young students gained self-confidence..a greater sense of belonging…increased self esteem…increased sense of pride and accomplishment. {H}igh school violin students, brought in to assist…provided needed encouragement and understanding…demonstrated increased leadership and teaching skills throughout the year.” -Melissa, Johnson STEAM Academy
“I wasn’t going to be able to play violin because lessons cost too much but this doesn’t cost anything so my mom let me be in Harmony Strings. I am so glad. It’s nice because you work in a group instead of just one student in a lesson. If you make a mistake there are other people in the group to help you so I like it better!” -JSA student