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 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 Institute preparation for suggested review pieces for your instrument.  Practice and review these pieces so you are 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. A caregiver/responsible adult should be on campus with children (under 12 years), taking notes and learning alongside them, particularly in the 3 core classes.  Students 12+ years must have a way to contact their parents immediately should an emergency occur. Please read Parent Support for info and suggestions if you are unable to be on campus with your child(ren). 

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 for students in books 1-3 include 5 classes. You can choose to add an extra enrichment class (pay an additional fee for this addition) if you would like to be scheduled for 6 periods. 

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 will 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 a stable connection is not guaranteed. There is space available for parents to work during their child's enrichment classes in the cafetorium but not in individual classrooms.

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

Bring your instrument (if applicable), notebook and pencil, music (relevant Suzuki book/out-of-the-books repertoire or any music that was sent to you for PPSI classes), music stand (if applicable), water bottle, snacks, and have a lunch plan.

11. What should I wear to the final concert?

For Suzuki string and flute players as well as advanced program participants, concert dress is black bottoms, black shoes and black socks, and a white dress shirt.

For pianists, concert dress is recital attire.

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

There will be various vendors on campus that can help you with these situations. They will also be showcasing their instruments.

13. When will I get my schedule?

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

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

Monday morning is registration for all and play-ins for Suzuki students. Teacher courses and Advanced Program begin on Monday morning at the same time as the rest of the week. Friday afternoon is the same class schedule in the am as the rest of the week and concerts in afternoon. Our day typically runs from 8:30-4:00 with concerts at 4:15. 

The schedule for Suzuki students:

• Monday: morning activities include picking up your registration packet and t-shirt, a welcome gathering for all (we will gather to welcome everyone and meet the faculty), and also have play-ins before lunch. Individual classes begin at 1 and go until 4. The Bayberry Quartet recital will be at 4:15 on Monday.

• Tuesday – Thursday: students will attend morning classes from 8:30 – 11:30, lunch followed by concerts, afternoon classes from   1 – 4pm, Faculty Concert on Wednesday, and Student Chamber concert on Thursday at 4:15 after classes. 

• Friday: am classes 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 final performances that afternoon. 

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 before that. 

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).  There will be Student Honors Performances from 12:15 – 1 on Tuesday and Wednesday and a PPSI participant picture on Thursday that you are expected to 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 the various restaurants that are within walking distance from campus as well as many more within a couple mile radius. 

• There may be an opportunity for families to preorder lunch Tues- Friday (sorry, not Monday) from local caterer we are partnering with- more info will be available to registered participants soon.

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 participants 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. Click here or go to "Participant Info", then "General Information", then scroll to"Accommodations" for the discount link. 

24. Are there scholarship opportunities available? 

 Yes, we do have a scholarship program, please see the scholarship application under the Registration tab. Deadline to apply is on or before April 1, 2025.

25. Does PPSI have a Refund/Cancellation Policy? 

See Refund Policy located in the "Participant Info" then "General Information", then scroll to Refund Policy