We offer individual instruction to students of all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced levels. Private instructors tailor curriculum and repertoire to each individual student with the intent to develop skills, both motor and auditory, for proficiency in an instrument or voice. Students are also taught basic ear-training, sight-reading and theory fundamentals. Most lessons are given once weekly, from September to May. Recitals are held in the concert facilities on the Shenandoah University campus in Winchester. Summer lessons are optional.
To find out more about private instruction offerings, fill out our Interests Inquiry form or call the SCAA office.
Private Instruction Rates
Rates vary by instructor and are given upon request by calling the SCAA office at 540-665-4602 or email to scaa@su.edu.
Private Instruction Registration
After speaking with both the SCAA office and the instructor(s), registration for individual instruction is completed online, by mail or in person at the SCAA office. Instructor information is available by calling 540-665-4602. Students are registered and charged for 28 or 32 weeks of lessons (depending on the instructor), September to May. Students who begin lessons after the start of the fall session will be registered for the remainder of weeks to the end of the session calendar.
Suzuki Instruction (3 years and up)
The Suzuki method, developed by the late Japanese violinist and educator Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, has revolutionized instrumental teaching and produced outstanding results with young children. During the early years, children can develop extraordinary musical abilities much in the same way they learn to speak their native language. Recommended for children 3 and older, specially trained instructors first teach basic listening and playing skills, with note reading following later. Thus, the Suzuki method has been called the “Mother Tongue Method.” A parent’s role is essential in the development of early learning ability. Parental attendance at lessons is required, and the parent must help with practice at home. Observation of lessons prior to enrollment is recommended and must be arranged in advance with the instructor. Group lessons are included and are an integral part of the program and are required. Group lessons are scheduled at approximately two-week intervals. (Piano: 24 week session, Violin: 32 week session).
SCAA Piano Festival
The Piano Department will host a SCAA Piano Festival. Participating students will perform before two judges and receive a written critique and rating from each judge and a certificate of participation. A student successfully participating yearly until graduation from high school will receive a certificate stating he or she has been a student of the SCAA.
Private Instruction offered in
Suzuki
Piano
Violin
Voice
Classical
Musical Theater
Jazz
Pop
Brass
Baritone
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba
Winds
Flute
Recorder
Clarinet
Oboe
Saxophone
Bassoon
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Electric Bass
Guitar (acoustic)
Guitar (electric)
Harp
Percussion
Drums
Classical Percussion
Drum Set
Keyboard
Organ
Piano
