Welcome to the Education for Happiness Virtual Suzuki Institute!

ONLINE | July 29 – August 3

Ages 5-18 | Violin/Viola | Twinkles through Book 8

Registration Open!

At Education for Happiness, we’re on a mission to transform lives through heartfelt music education. Our focus isn’t just on teaching notes; it’s about nurturing character and well-being, shaping a brighter, happier society.

Join our Virtual Suzuki Institute – a refreshing alternative to in-person events that often come with hefty costs and logistical challenges. Our virtual space offers an engaging, purposeful learning environment where caring instructors prioritize every participant’s needs.

What to expect:

• Daily Institute meetings fostering a warm, supportive community
• Zoom breakout rooms for interactive, inclusive classes
• Mini Private Lessons, Repertoire Play-Alongs, and Technique-Building Classes
• Enrichment sessions in fiddling, improvisation, vibrato, supplemental repertoire, and chamber music!
• Practice Support & Coaching through our Rollin’ Program

Our goal is to equip students and families with essential skills for success in any learning environment while forging connections with families worldwide.

MISSION

• Nourish Suzuki students and parents, fostering compassion and connections
• Create a home environment that ignites willingness to learn
• Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship during practice
• Develop teamwork, cooperation, and joy in home practicing

We hope to see you online this summer!

Questions? Email us at EFHSuzuki@gmail.com

PRICES

Choose your own Institute Experience! Any class or combination of classes can be taken “a la carte.”

• $400 – Full Day Immersive Experience (includes masterclasses)
• $350 – 4 Classes: Institute “Lite”
• $275 – 3 Classes
• $200 – 2 Classes
• $120 – 1 Class

DAILY SCHEDULE (All times Eastern)

Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

11:00 – 11:50 am – Period 1: Repertoire Classes [Click for a list of levels and teachers]
12:00 – 12:25 pm – Daily Meeting
12:30 – 1:20 pm – Period 2: Technique Classes [Click for a list of levels and teachers]
1:30 – 2:20 pm – Period 3: Enrichment Classes [Click for a list of classes and teachers]
2:30 – 3:30 pm – Afternoon Break
3:30 – 4:20 pm – Period 4: Rollin’ Practice Support and Coaching
8:00 – 9:00 pm – Parent Talk

Wednesday “Free Day” Schedule (Eastern Time)

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Yoga with Gabe
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Jazzy Play-in with Wendy Tangen-Foster
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Student Recital
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm Parent Talk / Question & Answer Session

FACULTY

Gabe Bolkosky
Terry Durbin
Joseph Kaminsky
Steffani Kitayama
Wendy Tangen-Foster

PARENT REACTIONS

“The teachers did such an amazing job creating a fun and interactive VIRTUAL camp, where their love and care were shown through so much that these kids really felt safe to express themselves, play, and participate.”

“I also love how they incorporated daily themes (kindness, mindfulness, stretching, laughter, and joy). It really helped reinforce the true foundation of the Suzuki Method, “to raise a beautiful soul.”

“It has been amazing to watch the spark return to my daughter’s eyes with education and music-making. It’s been a tough year and a half, and I honestly worried how she’d handle another week of virtual learning, but it rekindled her fire and she was so sad for it to end.”

“The parent talks and coaching sessions were INVALUABLE. What beautiful messages of compassionate parenting, connection, and how to bring this to the music-making experience.”

“My daughter and I enjoyed beautiful moments of TRUE, intentional connection, and I feel like it’s what we’ve been missing. I had so many conversations this week with her about insecurities that she’d never really opened up to me about because I hadn’t really given her the chance. We are so much more excited and empowered to move forward with our musical journey together!”

“We weren’t sure how a Virtual Suzuki Institute would be, but the EFH Suzuki Institute experience was fantastic!  Perhaps our best Institute experience ever!  The teachers were top notch and very caring.  The daily rhythm was relaxed yet dynamic, and transitioning from one class to another was seamless (no packing up instruments and rushing to another location for the next class).  Looking back, the atmosphere was a perfect combination of joy, love of music, and caring for each individual student.” 

“I liked how much community building happened that week. From my perspective, much of that was down to the morning meeting and using breakout rooms for classes which meant everyone was together on their way to class.” 

“My daughter and I were able to have really positive moments of connection through the exercises given to us. It has helped us overcome some obstacles and set us up for better musical experiences in the future!”

“Everyone’s so kind, creative, fun, and helpful!” 

“I think the biggest takeaway for me was validation of the inner feeling that it’s ok if my child’s progress waxes and wanes a bit … that the relationship between us is more important than forcing practice and creating friction between us.

“I think the most amazing, powerful experience for me was seeing the respect and love shown to the students!  Thank you faculty!”

“We loved the focus on balance in teaching and life!”

“So many personal ah-ha’s for me in how I define “progress” as a Suzuki parent.”  

“I was amazed at watching the instructor interact with one of the teen boys and his mother in the Practice-Coaching and seeing how love opens hearts.” 

“I loved how the Theme of the Day was able to highlight joy and laughter because there is so much if we just look for it.”

“It’s powerful to be connected with other Suzuki kids/families!”

“The EFH Suzuki Institute teaches empathetic parenting in a violin context, but it can be applied in almost any parenting context.” 

“Being online, you all did a great job! Very impressed! Thank you!” 

“Thank you for your dedication to children and to your craft.  It was a really inspiring week for me and it was so comforting to know how many other like minded parents are out there who love and work and struggle and make mistakes and dust off and try again.”

“The EFH Suzuki teachers excel at engaging the children!”

“These teachers and directors really succeeded at engaging audiences of all ages virtually, as well as letting their love and care for each of the participants come through! I love the focus on compassion and nurturing: it’s bringing us back to the true foundation of the Suzuki Method!”

STUDENT REACTIONS

“My favorite thing was laughing and having fun playing violin!”

“This was a very great week and probably my favorite camp of all time. All my teachers (and hosts) were very kind and willing to help me with things I struggled on.”

“The teachers are very kind, and they help you (or your child if you’re a parent) with hard things. The daily focus (Kindness, Stretching e.t.c) is a good way to connect with other folks online.  You should try it! : )”