Suzuki Piano Program
At Alberta Performing Arts Academy, we’ve chosen the Suzuki methodology for piano because of its child-centered, language-based approach. We align with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s belief—explored in Nurtured by Love—that music nurtures sensitivity, discipline, and emotional development. Before enrolling, we ask families to read this book (available on Amazon, Chapters, or your library).
Why Suzuki Piano?
Why choose Suzuki Piano instead of traditional conservatory methods?
At Alberta Performing Arts Academy, we believe that the Suzuki method aligns more closely with how children naturally learn. Based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and his philosophy outlined in Nurtured by Love, the method approaches music like a language — one that can be acquired naturally when a child is immersed in it early, with encouragement and modeling from adults.
We believe music education should not only build technical skill, but also develop:
Sensitivity
Discipline
Endurance
Emotional strength
Suzuki’s emphasis on relationship-based learning and the role of the parent in music education creates a nurturing environment where the child thrives musically and personally.
Required Reading: Before beginning Suzuki piano, we ask all parents to read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki (available at Amazon, Chapters, or your local library). This foundational book outlines the approach and values of Suzuki-based education.
Why Music Workshops?
What makes APAA’s Suzuki program unique is our integration of Music Workshops, which are based on the methodology of Zoltán Kodály, a renowned Hungarian composer, educator, and music researcher.
Kodály’s research showed that children can develop deep musical literacy — including reading, writing, and composing — through folk and art music that is already emotionally and culturally familiar to them. Since the Suzuki Book 1 piano repertoire is also based on folk and art music, these two philosophies reinforce each other beautifully.
Our Music Workshops:
Use games and hands-on activities to reinforce musical concepts
Develop ear training, theory, rhythm, and sight reading
Create a fun, stimulating environment that motivates students
Provide opportunities to perform regularly in a low-pressure group setting
Encourage peer support, building community and confidence
Workshops are also a key component in developing public performance skills, musical memory, and emotional expression in young musicians. They’re not just educational — they’re the heartbeat of our musical community.
What to Expect
35 total sessions: Includes private lessons and Music Workshops
Runs September to June (see calendar below)
Missed lessons/workshops will not be rescheduled or refunded
If a teacher cancels, they will offer a make-up or refund
Parents attend an orientation session
Required: Purchase/read Nurtured by Love
Tuition & Registration
📌 Registration Fee (due by July 1, 2025 via e-transfer or cheque)
1 Student: $325
2 Students: $410
3 Students: $495
Non-refundable unless withdrawn before August 1, 2025 (50% refund in that case)
📌 Monthly Tuition (paid via Pre-Authorized Debit, 10 months)
20-minute lesson + Music Workshops: $79/month
30-minute lesson + Music Workshops: $123/month
45-minute lesson + Music Workshops: $182/month
📅 2025–2026 Calendar
📍 Parent Orientation:
🗓 September 9 (8:00–9:00 AM)
📍 St. Albert
| Month | Lesson Dates | Workshops & Events |
|---|---|---|
| September | 16, 23, 30 | Parent Orientation – Sept 9 (8:00–9:00 AM) |
| October | 7, 14, 21, 28 | Regular private lessons |
| November | 4, 18, 25 | Music Workshop – Nov 1 (9:30 AM–12:00 PM) |
| December | 2 | Workshop & Concert – Dec 6 (9:30 AM–3:00 PM) |
| January | 13, 20, 27 | Lessons resume after winter break |
| February | 3, 10, 17, 24 | Continued weekly lessons |
| March | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Music Workshop – Mar 7 (9:30 AM–3:00 PM) |
| April | 21, 28 | Easter Break earlier in the month |
| May | 5, 12, 19, 26 | Music Workshop – May 2 (9:30 AM–3:00 PM) |
| June | 2, 9 | Workshop & Final Concert – June 13 (Time TBA) |
