Our Program

Your tuition includes a weekly private lesson, group class, recitals, parent education, and more.

 

Private Lessons

We teach students of all ages and levels on piano, flute, clarinet and trumpet.  Children can begin Suzuki lessons as early as age 4, depending upon faculty recommendation.  Our teaching philosophy is rooted in the Suzuki Method; however, we embrace many other styles of learning music.  Please talk to us if you have questions about which method is best for you or your child.  Check out our Tips for Successful Remote Lessons.

Flexible lesson lengths are available to accommodate all ages and levels (from 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours).  Tuition cost is available upon request, please contact us to discuss in more detail. Lessons are taught at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills, Pittsburgh, PA 15228, and online.

Parent Education

We recognize the importance of providing our students’ parents with education in the Suzuki Method. In our effort to make sure that our parents have the knowledge they need to be effective home teachers, we offer a Suzuki Parent Education course each year.  This is a wonderful opportunity for parents - both new to the Suzuki philosophy and parents who have been Suzuki home teachers for years.  It’s taught in a group setting as there is a wealth of information that parents garner from one another’s experiences.  Sharing ideas is a fundamental part of the Suzuki Method.  The cost of all parent education sessions is included with your lesson tuition.

group class

Our program consists of one weekly private lesson and group class. Group class is a fundamental component of our music program; the benefits are substantial. It builds community, reinforces skills, introduces ensemble skills, and explores other facets of music.  Most importantly, it fosters friendships among students.  Elements of music like rhythm, note reading, theory, performance, recital etiquette and technique are reinforced by playing games with their musical peers.  This shared experience enriches the learning process.  The cost of group classes is included with lesson tuition.

Most students will have a weekly group class.  Depending on the level and age of the student, a bi-monthly or monthly may be more appropriate; check with your teacher for which class is best for you.  We offer group class for all ages and levels, including a group class for adults only.  

graduations

The graduation process is unique to the Suzuki Method and serves as an invaluable tool to educate and develop high standards within the music training framework.  Certain pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designated as graduation levels.  This is an important time to celebrate the student’s dedication and hard work, reinforcing fundamental skills.  We celebrate these achievements through a “graduation”.  In recognition of this achievement, students usually perform in a formal recital where they receive their graduation certificate.  The students will also perform for their musical friends in group class. 

Graduation is not an examination, and every child succeeds. Teachers present students only when they are certain that the performances are musically secure and when the student is studying beyond that level. Cost is included with your lesson tuition.

recitals

CMSP encourages frequent performances which nurture self-esteem, goal-setting, and a sense of personal pride.  Formal recitals are usually held 4 to 6 times per year at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills.

In addition, casual neighborhood recitals are planned regularly throughout the year.  We believe that our students benefit from connecting with the community.  Past community outreach recitals include Mt. Lebanon Earth Day, Mt. Lebanon Farmer’s Market, Veterans Administration of Pittsburgh, Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh, Magee Women’s Hospital, and Squirrel Hill Farmer’s Market.  Community recitals for the upcoming season are currently being scheduled and include Piano Day Pittsburgh, PPG Wintergarden, and local nursing homes.  Let us know if you can recommend a venue which would welcome our performers.  The cost of all performances is included with your lesson tuition.

field trips

In an effort to nurture community and build friendships with musical peers, CMSP organizes 1 to 2 family field trips each year.  These wonderful events are instrumental in creating an environment of inclusion, acceptance, and just plain old fun.  Past events have included attending a concert at Heinz Hall, ice-skating outdoors following the PPG Wintergarden concert, or coming to a Mississippi Hotdog & Hamburger Cheeseburger-themed Cookout hosted by CMS.  Have an idea?  Let us know!  Depending on the event, there may be a small charge.