1. Can I attend PPSI if I don’t have a Suzuki teacher?

You must be studying with a Suzuki teacher to attend the PPSI Student Suzuki Institute programming. You do not need to be studying with a Suzuki teacher to enroll in the Advanced Violin Program, Advanced Cello Program, or the Advanced Chamber Music Program. 

2. My teacher is part Suzuki and part traditional.  Can I still come to PPSI?

You must be familiar with all of the Suzuki repertoire up to your level if attending the Student Suzuki Institute as you will be playing memorized Suzuki repertoire at both your master and repertoire classes.

3. How do I prepare for PPSI?

Check the PPSI website for suggested review pieces for your instrument.  Practice these pieces and be prepared to play them memorized at the Institute.

4. Can parents drop off their children in the morning and pick them up after classes?

The Suzuki Method stresses parent participation and a caregiver should be on campus with children (under 12 years), taking notes and learning with them, particularly in the 3 core classes.  Students 12+ years should have a way to contact their parents asap should an emergency occur.

5. Do parents have to take notes and be in enrichment classes with their children?

This is optional and individual to each enrichment teacher.  Most enrichment classes welcome parents but please do ask each teacher first. 

6. Why is my child only scheduled for 5 periods when there are 6 periods each day?

Tuition includes 3 instrument specific classes and 2 enrichments. You can choose to add an extra enrichment (pay an additional fee for this addition) if you would like 6 periods a day. 

7. What should I do during my free period each day?

You can find a practice room to practice, observe a class, read a book, or take an extra enrichment (you need to register and pay an additional fee for this). 

8. Can I add an extra enrichment on the first day?

Yes, talk to the Director to see what might fit into your schedule.

9. Will there be internet on campus?

Yes, although stable connection is not guaranteed. 

10. What do I need to bring to the Institute?

Bring your instrument (if applicable), notebook and pencil, music (relevant Suzuki book or any music that was sent to you), music stand (if applicable), water bottle, snacks, and have a lunch plan.

11. What should I wear to the final concert?

For Suzuki string players, concert dress is black slacks, black shoes and socks and a white shirt.

For pianists, concert dress is recital attire.

Advanced programs will decide as a class at the institute - past years have been black on bottom and a black or colored shirt on top.

12. What if my strings break, I need a new shoulder rest, or a bow rehair?

Robertsons Violin Shop will be on campus Tuesday – Thursday 8 am-4 pm, and Friday 8 am-12 pm for supplies and minor repairs.

13. When will I get my schedule?

You will pick up your schedule during registration which takes place in the morning on the first day.

14.  Why are Monday and Friday schedules different from the rest of the week?

The schedule for Suzuki students is:

Monday: morning activities will begin at 10:30 after you pick up your registration packet (9-10:30).  At that time, we will gather to welcome everyone, meet the faculty, and have a play-in.  Lunch will be at noon on Monday (note: this is a different time than the rest of the week) and classes will begin at 1 pm and go until 4 pm.  

Tuesday – Thursday: students will attend morning classes from 8:30 – 11:30, there will be concerts during the lunch hour, afternoon classes from 1 – 4pm and concerts on Wednesday and Thursday after classes. 

Friday is class and concert day: You will attend your morning classes from 8:30 – 11:30 am.  You will not go to classes on Friday afternoon, but participate in applicable performances. 

Advanced programs and teacher training classes have the same schedule as above except that they start at 8:30 am on Monday morning and registration takes place at 8:00. 

15. What is a Play-In?

During the play-in, each instrumental group will get together and play together as a group. Sometimes different string instruments will be combined in the same group. 

16. Why is the lunch hour so long?  

Lunch begins at 11:30 (except on the first day).  On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there will be a performance from 12:15 – 1 that you will attend.

17. Is the playground available for use during PPSI?

Unfortunately, no, the playground is reserved for Stargate students only. 

18. Will there be Lunch options at PPSI? 

You may bring a sack lunch or buy lunch from fast food eateries that are within walking distance from campus as well as many more within a couple mile radius.

19. What is the last day to register for PPSI? 

Late registration is limited to class availability. Please check with the Director to see if there are any openings. 

20. Am I required to attend concerts?

All Institute activities exist to support the growth of students and provide a full and valuable Institute experience. Please plan to attend all Institute activities and support the performers. 

21. Can I request when my free hour occurs in my schedule? 

Our priority is to place students in classes that are the appropriate age/level and therefore free periods result from this priority scheduling and can not be easily adjusted. 

22. Do I need to rent a car? 

If you do not rent a car, you can take the bus from the airport to Wagon Road Park and Ride in Westminster and take an Uber/Lyft from there to Candlewood Hotel or Hilton Garden Inn which are both walkable distance to Stargate School. 

23. Do you recommend hotels in the area? 

Both Candlewood Hotel and Hilton Garden Inn are both walkable distance to Stargate School and offer discounted rates for PPSI participants. See "accommodations" located in the Registered Participant tab for the discount link. 

24. Does PPSI have a Covid Policy? 

See Covid Waiver located in the Registration menu

25. Does PPSI have a Refund Policy? 

See Refund Policy located in the Participant Info - General Info menu