 TESS was founded in January, 2005 byRebecca Christopherson and Jennifer Trahan. As life-long Suzuki students and teachers, they understand exactly how the Suzuki Method can unlock the unlimited potential in children. Parents, children, and teachers are all nurtured through the skills exemplified in the philosophy and pedagogy created by Dr. Suzuki to achieve their best as musicians, citizens, and educators. Parents are offered a supportive Parent Education Curriculum to aid them in their own musical knowledge and to assist them in their crucial role as the home teacher. Students may select from several instruments and courses of study: violin, piano, guitar, flute and cello. Courses of Study range from Talent-Ed Kids classes, to standard Suzuki instrumental and theory studies, including the Transfer, Traditional and Alternative Music Programs, through the Advanced Program and Aspiring Young Artists © (AYA) pre-conservatory program.
Talent-Ed Kids classes, non-instrumental classes for students ages two through seven, are specially designed as fun and engaging pre-Suzuki classes that introduce them to the primary concepts of music. Two year olds sing songs, play musical games, and develop musical fundamentals in our Mommy & Me class. Three to five years may enroll in the Meet the Instruments class, where they have the opportunity to hear and play the the musical instruments that are available to them for future study. Children between the ages of five and seven who love to sing may join the Hearts & Voices Choir!
Suzuki Instruction requires students to participate in private and group lessons each week. Beginning families are encouraged to read Dr. Suzuki's book Nurtured by Love as they begin this musical journey. All students begin with a classical foundation in the Suzuki repertoire enhanced by master classes, supplemental repertoire, workshops, group and solo performing opportunities, and special events, such as the Family Concert. Each piano studio is equipped with a Steinway piano for the student and a second piano for the teacher to facilitate demonstration and ensemble instruction during lessons.
The Transfer Student Program at TESS is designed for students of all ages who have studied in the traditional or Suzuki methods and who wish to become part of a nurturing school environment and study with accomplished teachers. The program includes a weekly private lesson and group classes as appropriate, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunities TESS provides for all of our students.
The Traditional Program is a modified program that allows the well-rounded student the opportunity for quality musical study while pursuing a variety of other interest. These students receive a weekly private lesson and participate in the student recitals. All other opportunities may be purchased separately at the discretion of the family. The Traditional Program is not available for beginners or for children under the age of eight.
The Alternative Music Program allows intermediate and advanced students to explore different styles of music. Elective classes in jazz, rock, fiddling, electric violin, video game music composition, and improvisation are available with faculty who specialize in their area of instruction. Students who enroll in the electric violin class do not need to have an electric violin. Private study at TESS is NOT a pre-requisite for participation in the Alternative Music Program, and students are encouraged to remain with their current private teacher.
Advanced students can choose between the Advanced Program and the Aspiring Young Artist Program (AYA). Students automatically become part of the Advanced Program when they reach the appropriate level of study for their instrument. Elective classes such as chamber music, sight reading, practice skills, music theory, composition, scales & technique, and audition preparation allow the students to focus on specific needs and interests in musical study at the Advanced level. Students who wish to enter the AYA program may do so by successfully completing an audition, held in May for the following school year.
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