Suzuki Viola Lessons

“We are so pleased with Tiffany Holliday! She has such a gentle but firm temperament, exactly what our daughter needs.”
— Keith and Shirrel Schramm

The viola is a close relative to the violin. Usually played by students who are older children, teenagers and adults, the viola is also a way to diversify your musical education. Many students also turn to viola to supplement their violin playing, or to provide a fresh perspective in their musical journey.

When you and your family attend Suzuki viola lessons with the Eugene Suzuki Music Academy, you get much more than just a weekly private lesson. Here is a list of some of the services you will receive when you enroll:

Private/Semi-Private Viola Lesson
Group Class
Parent Education
Studio Recitals
Suzuki Book Graduation Recitals
Individual Parent Support
Parent Library
Music Events

Private/Semi-Private Suzuki Viola Lessons

This is what everyone thinks of when they think of “music lessons”. This is a once-a-week Suzuki viola lesson where individual attention is given to the student and their musical advancement. Very few educational opportunities dedicate individual attention to each student.

ESMA’s Suzuki Viola Teacher is Tiffany Holliday.

Here is a video of Tiffany performing on her viola at Beall Hall, the University of Oregon:

Students will learn…

How to play their instrument
How to problem solve
How to reproduce musical pitch, both with their instrument and their voice

Lessons also teach basic music theory, composition, improvisation, study skills, time management, note reading and music appreciation.

Our music lessons focus on the Suzuki repertoire, but folk and fiddle music can also be incorporated for students interested in other musical genre.

Group Class

Once a week, students will have an opportunity to play with their peers in a social environment. Group lessons reinforce what students have learned in private lessons. In addition to reviewing material, the focus will be note reading and how to play in an ensemble.

We custom-mix group classes by age and skill level. This way students both play among their peers, yet students of varying ages and skill levels can work together to grow as students, musicians and people.

“My children love group class. I would definitely recommend that parents make attendance at group class a priority. The social experience of making music with other children is terrifically motivating, and the group class has musical benefits as well. It introduces the children to ensemble playing and helps them explore dynamics and other musical variations on review pieces. I have found it wonderful to have both teachers present. Jodie and Tiffany bring their complementary personalities and ideas to the class, making it even more productive and fun.”
— Julie Hessler

Parent Education

Once a month, parents can meet in a setting that provides group and peer support for home practice. Since parents will be involved with all aspects of their child’s music education, these meetings give everyone an opportunity to share ideas both from the teacher and other successful parents.

Studio Recitals

At least 3 times each school year we have an opportunity to celebrate our hard work through a recital. Recitals are special occasions where students play with a piano accompanist and experience what it is like to perform alone on stage. Recitals are generally held in October, February and May.

ESMA students are required to play in at least 2 recitals per year.

Suzuki Book Graduation Recitals

Graduation recitals are a celebration of progress from a pre-determined level. Graduation recitals differ from the recitals described above in that they consist of only one student. Every part of the family is often part of the musical learning effort, and graduation recitals give the family a chance to recognize and celebrate that effort. Graduation recitals follow more of a free-form recital format, are usually held in the student’s home, and are attended by family and friends.

Individual Parent Support

Teachers are available by phone and email to answer your questions and to provide you with support, advice and motivation for their child’s music education.

Parent Library

Eugene Suzuki Music Academy maintains a lending library to help you expand your knowledge of music, Suzuki, practice, how to work with your child, and other topics. A number of different publications will be available, including trade publications such as the Suzuki Journal, and various books on the Suzuki Method and learning viola.

Music Events

At ESMA we believe it’s important to share music with the greater community. We encourage students to join us in the joy of making music with various music events throughout the year, such as:

Group performance (busking) at the Eugene Saturday Market and Eugene Holiday Market
Weekly open-door Irish jam sessions, where Jodie, Tiffany, students and the community meet and play Celtic music. Students come both to play and listen. More about ESMA’s Weekly Eugene Irish Sessions
Community music events and competitions throughout the year (these vary, and we let our students and families know about upcoming events)