Teaching the whole student since 2009
Start your musical journey now
Every child can learn.
ESMA’s supportive, welcoming, diverse, multi-teacher community emphasizes enabling children to be confident and capable not just in music, but in life.
Since its founding in 2009, ESMA has been proud to serve families throughout Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County. Whether through private lessons or group classes, studio recitals or community performances, our goal at ESMA is to use music to teach the whole student.
These words from Suzuki Method founder Dr. Shinichi Suzuki sum up our teaching philosophy:
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. Music exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart.”
“Jodie has a wonderful way with children. She explains things in ways that they understand and has lots of engaging ideas for practice. My children (ages 5 and 7) love her friendly, approachable manner. As a parent, I also appreciate how clearly she sets out goals and exercises for each week. She has great skill in helping families through the inevitable ups and downs in motivation.”
– Julie H., Eugene
Enroll and begin anytime!
- Child and adult students may enroll and begin weekly private violin lessons anytime, starting at age 4.
- Preschool-age children who have taken music classes (such as ESMA’s Little Notes) may begin as young as 3.
- No prior musical experience required for parent or student.
- In addition to Suzuki repertoire, ESMA students can explore other classical and fiddle music traditions from around the world.
- No upper age limit! We teach all ages. Some ESMA students have begun Suzuki violin lessons in kindergarten and continued through high school graduation. Some have begun at various stages of adult life.
7 basic principles for music and life
ESMA’s music instruction follows the Suzuki Method, which is based around 7 basic principles for music and life:
1. Every Child Can Learn
Any child can learn music to a high degree of competence. They can also use their musical education to improve other areas of learning, and strengthen life skills such as problem-solving, confidence, perseverance, and teamwork.
2. Ability Develops Early
Even from a young age, children can develop musical skills and an appreciation of beautiful tone.
3. Environment Nurtures Growth
A supportive home and teaching environment guides and stimulates children to learn and grow.
4. Children Learn from One Another
Listening to and observing others helps children arrive at deeper understandings of what they are learning.
5. Success Breeds Success
Big achievements are built from small victories. Today’s Twinkle is tomorrow’s Mozart concerto.
6. Parent Involvement is Critical
Teacher, caring adult, and child work together as a team to navigate musical learning’s ups and downs.
7. Encouragement is Essential
Positive reinforcement builds and sustains motivation so children learn to persevere.
“Meagan is not only a talented performer and very knowledgeable about her trade, but also a talented teacher. She was excellent at tuning into what her student needed. She was always a professional and also was great at communicating what she needed me to do to further our progress. She was patient, kind, fun, firm, and above all fostered our daughter’s love for music.”
– Mindy L.
Experienced teachers and parents
Trained and always learning
All ESMA teachers have received training through the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). Our backgrounds also include university music programs, performance, years of teaching, and more.
We regularly participate in ongoing training to further our knowledge, skills, and abilities to work with your family. Child development and education are fields where there is always more to learn. That’s why we also regularly learn and train to increase our knowledge and skills to help you wherever you are on your family’s musical journey.
ESMA’s violin teachers are also parents. We’ve taught and parented alongside sick kids, tantrums, and triumphs. We know what it is to take a violin on a big family trip. We regularly figure out games and other strategies that help families just like yours work through the ups and downs of practice. We understand what it takes to work together as a family and figure out the day-to-day challenges of balancing music, school, and other responsibilities.
“A wonderful group of talented teachers. We really enjoy working with them!”
– Evan R.
Weekly private violin lessons
This is what everyone thinks of when they think of “music lessons”. Very few educational opportunities dedicate individual attention to each student. Your private violin lesson is a once-a-week Suzuki violin lesson where individual attention is given to the student and their musical advancement.
Students 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
- 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 genres.
Beyond the lesson
When you and your family attend Suzuki violin lessons with the Eugene Suzuki Music Academy, you get much more than just a weekly private lesson. Your flat-fee tuition includes:
Weekly Private Violin Lesson
Teacher, caring adult, and all students in your family meet for dedicated one-on-one learning. Parents can discuss practice triumphs and concerns. Siblings taking lessons also get one-on-one teacher time.
PARENT EDUCATION
We provide regular support, practice tips, and parent-only events to aid families on their musical journeys. Parents can also access our email list, blog posts, and videos to get help when it fits their schedule.
SUZUKI BOOK GRADUATION RECITALS
There are 10 books in the Suzuki Method for Violin. Whenever a student completes a book, their teacher joins them for a graduation recital held at the student’s home (or other place of the family’s choosing). In addition to celebrating the student’s progress, book recitals also acknowledge the work and support provided by the entire family and other people important to the student.
Weekly GROUP CLASS
Students play with mixed-age, mixed-level peers in a social environment. Group lessons reinforce private lessons, while building note reading, listening, and teamwork, via playing together in an ensemble.
STUDIO RECITALS
3 times a year, we celebrate our hard work at all-studio recitals. Students gain experience performing in public (and being a good audience!). Students are required to play in at least 2 recitals per year.
Community 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, attending area musical performances, and more. ESMA students have performed at Eugene Saturday Market and Eugene Holiday Market, and have given other free performances throughout the community.
Start your musical journey
Lessons begin at $111 per month, and may be paid monthly or on a full-term basis. See our registration page for lesson lengths and more details. No payment due until you’ve registered and confirmed lessons with your teacher.