WELCOME! to Greater Washington Suzuki Piano Institute (GWSPI). And thank you for taking a look at our program. As the director, I am passionate about providing students and parents the best possible experience for musical development and personal growth during our time together. Rather than extol what I believe are the strengths and virtues of our program (which you readers might understandably consider possibly exaggerated and/or biased), I’ve asked one of our clinicians and a representative of each group we support (parents, students, and teachers) to share some of their thoughts on things that make our program unique and of special benefit to attendees.
But first, I’d like to point out—We’re all about PIANO! One of just three piano-only institutes in the country, we’re not competing with other instruments for teaching or practice space, or prime recital time. Our program is designed to help developing pianists become skilled and understanding players, performers, and musicians.
FAY ADAMS, institute piano clinician, and SAA teacher trainer, says: “I have taught at GWSPI for over 20 years and look forward to returning each June. Devoted solely to piano, this institute gives those in attendance a wonderful exposure to piano literature from the earliest “Twinkles” to advanced repertoire. Each student has the opportunity to play on one of the daily recitals. Former institute students have returned from prestigious music schools to participate in the program and remind us of the joy a life filled with music can bring to each one. I hope to meet new students this summer and look forward to seeing those returning from past years!”
MIKE, father of 13-year old Maura, reports: “My daughter will be attending GWSPI for the fourth time this year. The teachers are memorable and inspiring. The program is supremely well-organized. The enrollment size and setting are ideal for fostering a personal yet dynamic learning experience. Just as important, my participation as a parent is recognized as a welcome and meaningful part of my child’s learning experience at GWSPI. I know my daughter will leave feeling energized and I will be grateful for having shared the experience with her.
“Frankly, I was a little wary about attending institute the first time. I really didn't know what it was all about and taking a week off from work is not easy. But I wouldn't trade the time my daughter and I have spent together at GWSPI for anything. She gets to learn more about music and meet some incredibly talented kids and we get to share an inspiring bonding experience. We are looking forward to June!”
BECCA, an 8-year old student who has studied piano for 4 years, tells us: “When I started piano I didn't like to practice. But after going to Institute and meeting other piano students like me I really found the part of me that said, "Becca, you can really enjoy this," and from that moment on I like to play. I really think that parents and kids should go to this institute because it is so fun in learning; it's not at all like a school — it is a play-piano-and-learn-about-music-while-having-fun time. That's really what I like about Institute. Mr. Brown's [Dalcroze] class is one of my favorites because he does a lot of active [movement] things with music which makes it fun to learn.”
KAREN, Suzuki teacher with a 40-something student private studio, relates: “Piano lessons can be a lonely endeavor. Having the opportunity to attend an institute is one of the advantages of being involved with the Suzuki method. GWSPI provides a supportive, piano-focused musical community that I simply cannot replicate in my private studio. It is a place where all the adults are pulling together, no strings attached, to provide a successful, quality musical experience for each child. The joy and pleasure of music are emphasized, as well as personal expression. Competitiveness and pressure are almost non-existent. What a wonderful atmosphere in which to nurture our young musicians!
“At GWSPI, your 5-year old has the chance to have piano lessons with a world-class teacher, a wonderful opportunity for a pianist in the formative stages. Your 9-year old meets both adults and other young people who are excited about different aspects of music, securely engaging her sometimes marginal interest. Your 15-year old is encouraged to take responsibility and seek understanding in his studies. Interacting with peers who are playing piano, observing others who are playing at a more advanced level, and encouraging the less experienced ones along—these all are great benefits of being part of GWSPI’s learning community, benefits which simply cannot be replicated in private lessons. It is so moving to me to see the youngest students admiring the teens as they play their piano ensembles, knowing that someday these little ones will be providing the example for future students.”
PROGRAM OUTLINE: Children have a daily lesson with a master teacher (some of the top instructors in the country teach at GWSPI). Students are placed in other classes based on their age and level of advancement: repertoire and theory, keyboard improvisation, piano ensembles, Dalcroze (a terrifically fun music and movement class—we think some students keep coming back just for this class!), Orff, and chorus. Students can also choose to add the handbell choir elective. The institute program is appropriate for all ages and levels of pianistic development. Some students have played their first notes at GWSPI, and no one is too advanced for the college- and conservatory-level faculty.
New in 2010, we proudly feature Steinway & Sons, the superior piano chosen by 98% of concert pianists around the world. Pianos sponsored by Steinway Piano Gallery of Washington, D.C.; Tysons Corner Center; 1961 Chain Bridge Road; MeLean, VA.
