Performance Group

Age 9 +
String Orchestra for book 4+ levels
Class limit: 15

Violin, Viola, and Cello
This intensive 55-minute performance group caters to the growing needs of the advancing students. We will introduce multi-voice and multi-instrument ensemble pieces, pieces outside of the Suzuki literature and understand how to perform in a string ensemble.
Non-HKSMI students and string players are welcomed!

pre-instrumental program

Age 3-4
Pre-instrument strings
Class limit: 5

Violin and Cello

At HKSMI we know that ability develops early. This 45-minute class develops the skills needed to successfully start violin or cello lessons including rhythm, musical concepts, and basic instrumental skills using a “box” instrument. Teachers show parents how to gently support their child’s learning at home.

instrumental program

Age 4 +
Individual lesson and group class

Violin and Cello

The instrumental program includes two lessons per week: one 45-minute private lesson and one 40-min group class. Children learn from each other as well as the teacher, while the teacher empowers parents to assist their children with home practice. Parents also learn to play the instrument so that they can fully participate in all lessons and home practice, and create a musical and motivational family environment. 

We have a large, calm, and open-learning environment with a large Group Class Room and three large Studios.

The Group Class Room can accommodate 15 students, plus their parents, and the Studios can fit masterclasses with 2 or 3 students and parents comfortably.

The Group Class Room can hold 20 to 25 seated chairs for lectures or small concerts. It is big enough for small ensemble rehearsals and has two upright pianos.

Every Child Can Learn

When Shinichi Suzuki conceived of his idea of social music education many people believed that only special children could learn music – only the talented ones. Suzuki disagreed and proved that all children can learn music, that great talent is not inborn, but educated through a nurturing musical and social environment.

Dr. Suzuki showed that children learn music like they learn language. When they start to learn their mother-tongue they are encouraged and supported by their whole family and community. This is why the Suzuki method is sometimes called the mother-tongue method.

Suzuki education started in the 1930s in Japan, it has since spread worldwide. Today there are over 8,000 teachers and 400,000 students! No matter where your family travels or moves there will be a Suzuki program with highly qualified teachers to help support your continuing studies.

The Suzuki philosophy is non-competitive. Therefore, HKSMI teachers will not prepare students for competitions or exams. In competitions there is only one winner. At HKSMI we believe that all children should enjoy music for its own sake and the joy it brings to their family, friends and community. You could say that the Suzuki philosophy sees a world of people with whom we can cooperate, rather a world of people with whom to compete. Upon seeing hundreds of Suzuki students performing together in 1961, great cellist Pablo Casals was moved to tears and stated that “Maybe music will save the world!”

Child-centered education

Each child progresses at their own pace and is allowed to explore their musical creativity. At HKSMI, we know that children can learn amazing musical skills and great compassion. These skills are supported by a positive and immersive music-making community which includes their parents, other children, and their teachers. The community is built through regular lessons, group classes, special events, and concerts. It is a little like growing up in a musical village.

Parental involvement is key!

At HKSMI you are involved every step of the way and are an integral part of the learning process. Learning an instrument is a complex task and your child easily excel with your help. We have music programs for the whole family from infants to school-aged children. We even teach parents to play the violin.

Success-oriented teaching

Children and parents feel accomplished with our success-oriented step-by-step method. We break down complex skills into small achievable goals. You will improve at every lesson!

Music making in the community

At HKSMI we provide frequent performing opportunities every year so your child will increase their confidence and stage presence. Our students not only play for their fellow students and family members, but also for the community-at-large through performances for neighbourhood festivals, at elderly homes, and in parks. We also collaborate with other schools to bring our wider community in Hong Kong together.

“Children learn to smile from their parents”

– S. Suzuki

“As a parent, I benefit tremendously from attending classes with the girls. Practicing violin has become my daily routine. I never thought I would be able to pick up a new instrument before we joined HKSMI.”

– Suzuki parent; daughters ages 6 and 7