Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
STRING PROGRAM
Diller-Quaile offers a program of string study for the early beginner through the advanced high school student. Students may begin violin, viola, and cello at age four or older and double bass at age seven or older. The inclusive philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki and Angela Diller, as well as traditional string pedagogies, inform an approach that assures teaching tailored to the needs of the individual student, with a strong emphasis on building confident solo performing, fluent music reading, and skillful ensemble participation.
The typical program for a young student includes a half-hour lesson with the parent in attendance, a group playing class, and a musicianship class. Parents of first-year students attend a weekly parents class as well. Older students take lessons of forty-five minutes to an hour in length and, as they advance, participate in orchestra, chamber music, and repertoire classes.
Suzuki Group Playing Classes
Students play their shared repertoire in a motivating social environment that reinforces work done in lessons; they also hear pieces soon to be studied. Additionally, opportunities to play solos in class help students gain confidence as performers. Festivals throughout the year bring students of all levels and ages together. Group playing classes are organized according to instrument and level.
| Violin | ||
| Beginners | Monday | 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. |
| Early Book I | Monday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Book I | Monday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Books II-III | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Book III-IV | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Books IV | Monday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Books V-VI | Monday | 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. |
| Books III-V | Saturday | 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. |
| Cello | ||
| Beginners | Tuesday | 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. |
| Book I | Tuesday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Books II-III | Tuesday | 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. |
| Books III-IV | Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Cello Repertoire Class | Tuesday | 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. |
| Violin Repertoire Class | Tuesday | 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. |
Advanced teenagers participate in these weekly classes, focusing on the interpretation and performance of compositions from the standard repertoire. Students are coached on solo works and learn from observing and participating in the work of their fellow students. These classes provide a venue for students to perform each week and to discuss the various style periods and performance practices relevant to their repertoire.
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Parents Classes
Parents of first-year string students are required to enroll in their own weekly group class, where string faculty guide them through the fundamentals of first-year string study. By gaining skill and confidence on the instrument, parents are better able to direct their child's home practice.
| Violin | Monday | 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. |
| Cello | Tuesday | 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. |
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Class String Instruction for Beginners
These small classes provide an introduction to study in an engaging and supportive group setting. Students learn the fundamentals of first-year study, including instrument technique and music reading. Classes explore a variety of music styles through group and solo playing or singing and participate in Diller-Quaile's First Year Concerts. Teachers facilitate the transition to individual study in the second year.
| Bass | Monday | 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. |
| Violin | Friday | 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. |