As part of the Annual Suzuki Program, all students receive:

• 30 private lessons
• 28 group/theory classes
• 15 hours of Parents’ Class
• Participation in 4 required performance events (instrument-dependent)

Schedules remain the same from September – June, and students are expected to continue in the program for the full school year.

• Our program welcomes first-year students ages 3.5 and up and their parents or caregivers. No prior musical training is required. Parents should acquaint themselves first with our policies and the Suzuki philosophy (found on the BKCM website) to make sure that our program and the approach fit their lifestyle and philosophy for their children’s education.
• Admission is based on attendance at orientations, observations, and intake interviews conducted by our highly experienced faculty. Key admission criteria include the child’s ability to follow simple instructions, engage with the interviewer, and display patience during the interview, as well as parent-child interactions. Admission is also based on space in the preferred instrument group. Once the interview is over, our decision-making process is thorough. We love spending a little time getting to know each caregiver and child. Though we wish we could accept everyone into our program, high demand and space limitations mean we are occasionally pressed to make difficult decisions not based on the criteria listed above.
• For returning families, previous adherence to Suzuki policies is considered an additional criterion for admission.
• Our program is designed for true beginners who are starting their Suzuki instrument for the first time. We strongly discourage students from beginning formal instruction on their Suzuki instrument before enrolling, even with a well-meaning teacher or family member. When a student has already begun to learn their instrument outside of our program, it can create technical habits that are difficult to unlearn and may lead to frustration when they are asked to start over and move at the pace of their new cohort.
• Orientation Meeting for Parents: Parents or caregivers must attend one of our Orientation Meetings in January, February or March, where the Program Director will present on the Suzuki philosophy, teaching methods, program structure, and scheduling. Parents will sign up for a family interview and observations of private and group lessons after the orientation.
• Interview Process: The intake interview assesses the child’s readiness to begin learning an instrument in a direct instruction format and allows us to observe parent-child interactions. During the interview, the child will be presented with the instruments we offer, and have a chance to express instrument preference. While the parent will be given an opportunity to state their preference, we prioritize the child’s choice.
• Transfer Students: Transfer students are accepted based on cohort space on a case-by-case basis. Parents of transfer students must attend the Orientation Meeting alongside first-year applicants. Transfer students will also participate in an interview/audition, performing a polished piece to determine appropriate class placement.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunity: BKCM is committed to providing equal treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or other protected categories. This policy encompasses all community aspects, including recruitment, hiring, and student admissions. Admissions decisions are independent of financial aid considerations.
• In order to maintain a high standard of service and provide an appropriate environment for our students and staff, the Conservatory reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service, enrollment or previously awarded privileges at the discretion of the Conservatory staff.

• You work very hard in your role as a Suzuki Parent, and we teachers have immense respect and appreciation for your dedication. Though copious, these policies were born of hard-won experience and represent community norms that make our program vibrant. We have an incredible group of Suzuki families here at the Brooklyn Conservatory, for which we are all very grateful. Let’s work together to continue to build a lifelong musical journey for you and your children. As Suzuki said, “Music polishes the heart.”
• Members of our community work together to create a supportive environment for students, dedicated caregivers, teachers, and staff.
• Treat caregivers, faculty, staff, and students with kindness, consideration, and respect. We come together as a community of music lovers, building supportive relationships and relying on one another throughout a decade or more.
• Approach challenges and communication with flexibility, and understanding. Practice the mindset that staff, faculty, parents, and students are all growing and learning together. Dr. Suzuki espoused an ethos of lifelong learning and self-improvement. For more, see, “Communication, Conferences and How to Raise Concerns.”
• Practice and listen daily, and attend all your classes. Daily practice, listening to the reference recordings, and good attendance are the ingredients for success in our program.

The Suzuki Parent is expected to:

• Attend Parents’ Class and continue in the role of Suzuki Parent, even as that role evolves, for the duration of the child’s Suzuki experience.
• Attend all classes with the child and take notes.
• Ensure that the child listens to the recommended Suzuki recordings daily at home.
• Practice with the child daily, using positive language strategies learned in Parents’ Class.
• Obtain required materials and bring them to class every week.
• Read and follow the Suzuki Program Family Policies, and revisit them each year.
• Keep a sense of humor, and model this for the child.
• The Suzuki Parent is the container of all information learned in the program. Being the Suzuki parent requires having time, not expertise. Knowing this will help you choose the Suzuki Parent carefully.

Suzuki families are expected to attend and be on time for lessons, classes, and performances.

• Arrive 5 minutes beforehand. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of class.
• If you are going to be absent from a lesson or class, email your teachers for that day, and call the registration desk. Teachers will give you their preferred contact information.
• Alternate Caregivers: If you must send an alternate to a lesson, notify your teacher in advance, and keep to a maximum of twice in the first year and four times in subsequent years. Provide video-taking and note-taking capability, and advise the caregiver about the “One Teacher at a Time” policy and classroom etiquette.
• We will do our best to provide a suitable schedule for your family. Your child’s long-term success and the success of everyone’s learning depend upon a shared commitment to punctuality and good attendance. It respects the time of both the instructor and the group members.
• Your child’s success in our program depends on good attendance. Students who attend their classes regularly have a more positive experience.
• Additionally, students who miss more than four group classes in a concert season may not be permitted to perform at the Festival. Students prepare every week in group class to sound beautiful at the performance. When some students miss rehearsals, it can affect how the group sounds and can feel unfair to those who put in the effort.
• If a student arrives late, instructors are only obligated to teach until the lesson’s scheduled endpoint.
• If 15 minutes of the lesson have passed, the teacher is not obligated to stay for the remainder of the time, and the student will be marked absent.

Probationary Periods

The Suzuki Program may institute a probationary period or revoke enrollment for the following reasons:

• Three consecutive absences from private lessons without good reason and/or appropriate notification.
• Six total absences from any one class.
• Three absences from Parents’ Class (in this case, parents may be asked to retake the class the following year)
• More than six excessively late arrivals (15 minutes or more) to any one class.
• Absence from one or more required performances per year without good reason.
• A combination of the above, at the discretion of the Director.

Make-Up Policy & Remote Lessons

• Due to the intense nature of the Suzuki program, the commitment made by all, teacher availability, and building constraints, there are no make-ups for private lessons or group classes for student absence. Any teacher absences will either be made up, or a qualified sub will be provided at the discretion of your teacher. Students will not be entitled to make-ups for teacher absences in lieu of taking a lesson where a substitute is provided. In return, the Suzuki faculty strives for exemplary attendance so that we may provide instructional consistency.
• On a case-by-case basis, some alternatives to make-up lessons may be possible at the discretion of the teacher.
• For all onsite lessons, requests for remote lessons should be limited to two per year.
• There is no remote group class option.

Attendance at Parents’ Class is required

• Attendance at Parents’ Class is required. We know and deeply appreciate all the logistical hoops you jump through to be at Parents’ Class!
• Parents’ Class is the essential onboarding experience every Suzuki caregiver needs to help their child in the Suzuki Program, and is a key factor determining long-term success. Parents build lifelong friendships in their instrument cohorts, familiarize themselves with the Suzuki philosophy, navigate the unique aspects of the pedagogy, and learn to play and instruct their child on the chosen instrument. Without good attendance at Parents’ Class, caregivers can feel disconnected from their cohort, confused about their teacher’s pedagogical approach, and challenged with home practice.
• If another caregiver plans to take over the duties of the Suzuki Parent, they may be expected to attend a full semester of Parents’ Class. This may be decided at the discretion of your teacher, department heads, and/or Suzuki leadership.
• At the beginning of Parents’ Class, please let your instructor know if there are lessons you foresee being unable to attend. Sometimes we can adjust!

The “Suzuki Secretary” and the “One Teacher at a Time” Principle

• In lessons, parents function as the “Suzuki Secretary.” At times, teachers will invite you to participate in the lesson. Otherwise, please actively listen, take good notes, and record the lesson using audio and video, allowing the child to be centered in their learning.
• We follow a “one-teacher-at-a-time” principle. Please avoid commentary or gestures during lessons as they can divide attention and cause conflict.
• Questions are welcome; please wait for a pause to ask them, and your teacher will address them promptly or set aside time at the lesson’s end.

Classroom Etiquette

• Eating food during lessons is not allowed. Please have children eat snacks before or after classes. Food is not permitted in classrooms.
• Devices are distracting and cause anxiety for students and teachers; please use a notebook for notes. We encourage use of a device for audio/video recording, or as a lesson modification for a student/caregiver when necessary.
• Ask your teacher whether they prefer you wait in the hall, knock, or enter the room at your lesson time.
• Arrive at least five minutes early to settle in. Help the child transition by:
  • Removing outerwear
  • Having water and snacks
  • Using the restroom
  • Washing hands
  • Reviewing last week’s class notes
  • Finding a calm center
  • Trimming nails
  • Preparing their instrument

Group & Theory Class Placement

• Group/theory classes are a critical component of our program. Students remain in their assigned group/theory class for the entire year. Placement in group/theory class is at the discretion of the department. Many factors go into student placement, including, but not limited to, students’ skill, playing level, their age, friend group, and BKCM space availability and schedule.
• Students learn valuable skills from experiencing being “challenged” in some years and “leading” in others.
• Class titles are approximate and might not precisely describe where your child is for the entire year.

Summer Lessons

• Suzuki summer lessons are open to all students currently enrolled in the BKCM Suzuki program. Current Suzuki program students should take lessons with their current private teacher. If their current teacher is unavailable, students may take lessons with a substitute Suzuki teacher within the Suzuki Program and should consult with their private teacher for recommendations, subject to availability.
• Beginner Suzuki students are not eligible for Suzuki or CMS private lessons on their Suzuki instrument during the summer preceding their first year.
• Students not currently enrolled in the BKCM Suzuki Program — including those accepted as transfer students for the upcoming school year — may take summer lessons only with prior approval from the Suzuki Director.
• BKCM’s Suzuki program recommends 4-8 summer private lessons, as well as attending music camps and workshops to maintain or build on school-year progress. Lack of summer practice may lead to skill decline, which can impact school-year momentum. Ask your teacher for their specific recommendation!

• Families must work with their teacher to determine the best equipment for their lessons, including the type of instrument and instrument accessories.
• With the exception of students studying piano, first-year families should wait until their teacher gives the green light before obtaining an instrument for their child. For some instrument groups, this may occur a few months into the first semester.

• Students are required to perform at recitals and festivals. Any exceptions must be approved by the Department Head and Director.
• Beginners typically take a bow for their first recital. Teachers assist young children on stage.
• Suzuki pedagogy prioritizes ease, artistry and mastery when selecting a recital piece with their students, and teaches these principles in lessons. For this reason, students perform pieces that are “in review” (previously learned) and will not perform their most recent piece.
• The selection of a recital piece takes place six weeks before the recital to allow time for polishing, and must meet the above requirements at that time.
• Your teacher has vast pedagogical knowledge and expertise. Please trust their guidance regarding recital piece selection. Teachers will collaborate with families to determine recital selection, but will make the final decision about what is most appropriate.
• To provide a supportive experience for all students, we expect families to attend the entire duration of performance events.
• We understand families juggle multiple commitments. To assist with scheduling, please submit a Performance Time Request Form by the given deadline.

We all wish the absolute best for each child, and must work together to communicate and grow.

Honor Staff and Teachers’ Working Hours

• Observe the stated working hours of teachers and department heads. Do not expect responses during holidays, regular days off, or between classes.
• Texting must be reserved for quick scheduling and logistical reminders, and emergencies. Discussions of pedagogy, more involved topics about your child’s learning, are better reserved for email or in person.

Conferences

• Semi-annually, conferences are held during lesson time as a check-in between dedicated caregivers, instructors, and students (when appropriate). Topics include fulfilling responsibilities at home, practice brainstorming, progress, curriculum, summer, and schedule matters. It’s a good time to get your teacher’s opinion about any additional musical endeavors, which may includes orchestra, chamber music, additional private lessons, second instruments, etc.

Raising Concerns

• To schedule a conversation outside of conference day, email your teacher in advance to request time.
• Some conversations are best held without a child present, especially regarding progress checks (which may include comparisons) or ideological and philosophical differences. Please be prepared for your teacher to ask that the conversation be saved for a different time, or for your child to be asked to step out of the room. Please be mindful to have these conversations inside classrooms and not in public spaces such as the lobby, hallways, etc.
• Be sure to bring up a problem before spring. Any discussions should take place as soon as possible so that we have time to implement multiple strategies for improvement.
• Parents who don’t feel comfortable speaking with their teacher should request a meeting with their Department Head or with the Suzuki Program Director to discuss; a meeting will then be scheduled to include the teacher.
• Schedule changes require Suzuki Program Director approval and are granted only at semester breaks and for exceptional circumstances, as they involve significant administrative time and affect many people.
• Keep an open dialogue with your teacher to problem-solve together.
• When problems arise, speak with your teacher first. Requests to change teachers will be approved after several conferences with the teacher to modify the instructional approach.

• Over the many years families and teachers work together, they become profoundly attached. For every Suzuki triangle, there naturally comes a time when weekly lessons conclude and the relationship will change, whether students are moving, starting a new school, going off to college, or turning energies toward another pursuit. When this time comes, we must handle separation with care. Parents should include the teacher, Department Head, and Director in their plans as soon as they can, and collaborate on how to bring the student into the conversation in the best way.
• There should be several concluding lessons after families and teachers have decided and had a chance to discuss the end of their work together. This gives everyone enough time to grapple with parting and allows for closure.

• Deposit: The $500 Enrollment Deposit is fully refundable until June 1st, or until registration opens, whichever comes later. The materials fee is fully refundable if you withdraw before receiving the materials/by the withdrawal deadline.
• Total Annual Tuition: Tuition payments are refundable until July 1st, with BKCM retaining 10% of the annual tuition and associated fees. After July 1st, total annual tuition is non-refundable. Families are responsible for any remaining balance, which will be charged automatically according to the payment plan selected at registration.
  • Students who wish to withdraw must submit a withdrawal request via email to Nora.Friedman@BKCM.org. Refunds take 4-8 weeks to be processed.
  • In the event a family encounters a valid emergency that requires withdrawing the child from the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. In that case, BKCM may allow a tuition refund on a prorated basis within the first three weeks of the school year, only at the discretion of the Suzuki Director.
  • Any withdrawals must be handled through the registration process listed on the BKCM website.
• Administrative Fees: The following administrative fees are nonrefundable and are assessed in addition to lesson and class tuition.
  • Registration fee: $50 paid once per school year (fall and spring semesters) per family account.
  • Payment plan fee: $50 per year.
  • Additionally, there is a $50 fee assessed for returned checks or late/missed payments.

The Conservatory may use a photograph or video of you and/or your child as part of publicity and promotional materials. If you would not like photo/video of you or your child used for this purpose, please fill out this form to opt out.