Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I register for one of the ensembles at Youth Music Illinois?
A: Registration can be completed here. Even if you do not receive an email from YMI, your registration has been received and you will be added to our email list for weekly rehearsal updates.
Q: How do I know what ensemble will be the best fit for me?
A: Your teacher should be able to direct you, but you can also look at our YouTube channel, look at the audition requirements as a guide, or look at the chart found here.
Q: What are the fees for the ensembles?
A: Fees are structured on a per-semester basis.
Dolce String Ensemble: $225
Preparatory Orchestra: $225
Concert Orchestra: $280
Youth Symphony: $300
Jazz Ensembles: $270
Percussion ensemble: $225
Q: Can I get tuition assistance for the ensembles?
A: Yes. Email the Executive Director to find out more.
Q: How can I donate to Youth Music Illinois?
A: Thank you for your donation! Donations can be made by check (sent to 3601 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL, 61604) or by card at this link. Youth Music Illinois is a 501(c)(3) organization and as such your donation is tax deductible.
Q: When and where will the YMI ensemble concerts be held?
A: Concert information can be found here.
Q: Where can I find out about the attendance expectations for ensemble rehearsal, dress code, and scheduling?
A: Our handbook can be found here. Weekly emails are sent out during the semester by YMI staff that have more information.
Q: I'm going to be absent from rehearsal. What should I do?
A: Either email the Executive Director or fill out the form here.
Q: How are Suzuki lessons different from traditional lessons?
A: Students have private and group lessons each week, parents attend lessons and support learning at home, music reading is taught after good technique has been established, emphasis on ear training, to name a few!
Q: How do I sign up for Suzuki Lessons?
A: Complete the New Student Interest Form and the Suzuki Director will contact you to set up a meeting. At the meeting, you can answer any questions you may have and your student will be measured for instrument size. Prospective students are highly encouraged to observe a lesson or group class before beginning lessons.
Q: Are parents/guardians required to attend Suzuki lessons and group classes?
A: Yes. As a vital component of the Suzuki approach to learning, we highly value having parents/guardians at the lesson. We encourage parents to attend group classes, but it is not mandatory. We offer a variety of lesson times to accommodate work schedules, but if that is not possible, we can discuss options on a case by case basis.
Q: What kind of instrumental lessons do we offer?
A: Our highly trained staff offer lessons in violin, viola, and cello.
Q: How do I get an instrument for Suzuki lessons?
A: The Suzuki Director will measure your student for instrument size at your meeting and give you some recommendations on where to find a quality instrument.
Q: What do I need to bring to Suzuki lessons?
A: Instrument (rosin, case, bow) and a bag that includes your Suzuki Book, notebook for parent to take notes, and a shoulder rest or sponge for violins and violas.
Q: How many Suzuki lessons do we have each year and how long is each lesson?
A: There are 40 private lessons (35 school year & 5 summer) and group classes according to the calendar. Fall semester (Aug-Nov) and Spring Semester (Feb-May). Private lessons are offered in 30, 45, and 60 minute time slots and group classes are 35 minutes in length.
Q: Where are Suzuki lessons located?
A: Most classes and lessons are at the Life Together Center, 3625 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois, 61604
We offer additional classes at Peoria Academy and Montessori School of Peoria.
Q: How do I pay for Suzuki lessons?
A: Complete the tuition form and give it to the Suzuki Director. Your invoice is automatically processed through Quickbooks each month. Contact the Suzuki Director with any questions in regard to lesson tuition.
Q: What do I do if I cannot attend a Suzuki lesson or group class?
A: Notify your teacher as soon as possible. Our Handbook states that missed lessons are not able to be credited. Your teacher may opt to offer an alternative time or online format, but this is solely at their discretion. and is not guaranteed. Some busy times of year may not allow for any flexibility in their schedules.
Q: Where can I learn about the Suzuki Method?
A: You can learn more at www.suzukiassociation.org, by reading To Learn with Love, Nurtured by Love, Ability Development from Age Zero
or by observing a lesson in our program!
Q:Where can I find information about what to wear for Suzuki concerts, attendance policy, and calendar?
A: The Suzuki Handbook has all that information, and weekly emails are sent from Youth Music Illinois staff.
A: Registration can be completed here. Even if you do not receive an email from YMI, your registration has been received and you will be added to our email list for weekly rehearsal updates.
Q: How do I know what ensemble will be the best fit for me?
A: Your teacher should be able to direct you, but you can also look at our YouTube channel, look at the audition requirements as a guide, or look at the chart found here.
Q: What are the fees for the ensembles?
A: Fees are structured on a per-semester basis.
Dolce String Ensemble: $225
Preparatory Orchestra: $225
Concert Orchestra: $280
Youth Symphony: $300
Jazz Ensembles: $270
Percussion ensemble: $225
Q: Can I get tuition assistance for the ensembles?
A: Yes. Email the Executive Director to find out more.
Q: How can I donate to Youth Music Illinois?
A: Thank you for your donation! Donations can be made by check (sent to 3601 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL, 61604) or by card at this link. Youth Music Illinois is a 501(c)(3) organization and as such your donation is tax deductible.
Q: When and where will the YMI ensemble concerts be held?
A: Concert information can be found here.
Q: Where can I find out about the attendance expectations for ensemble rehearsal, dress code, and scheduling?
A: Our handbook can be found here. Weekly emails are sent out during the semester by YMI staff that have more information.
Q: I'm going to be absent from rehearsal. What should I do?
A: Either email the Executive Director or fill out the form here.
Q: How are Suzuki lessons different from traditional lessons?
A: Students have private and group lessons each week, parents attend lessons and support learning at home, music reading is taught after good technique has been established, emphasis on ear training, to name a few!
Q: How do I sign up for Suzuki Lessons?
A: Complete the New Student Interest Form and the Suzuki Director will contact you to set up a meeting. At the meeting, you can answer any questions you may have and your student will be measured for instrument size. Prospective students are highly encouraged to observe a lesson or group class before beginning lessons.
Q: Are parents/guardians required to attend Suzuki lessons and group classes?
A: Yes. As a vital component of the Suzuki approach to learning, we highly value having parents/guardians at the lesson. We encourage parents to attend group classes, but it is not mandatory. We offer a variety of lesson times to accommodate work schedules, but if that is not possible, we can discuss options on a case by case basis.
Q: What kind of instrumental lessons do we offer?
A: Our highly trained staff offer lessons in violin, viola, and cello.
Q: How do I get an instrument for Suzuki lessons?
A: The Suzuki Director will measure your student for instrument size at your meeting and give you some recommendations on where to find a quality instrument.
Q: What do I need to bring to Suzuki lessons?
A: Instrument (rosin, case, bow) and a bag that includes your Suzuki Book, notebook for parent to take notes, and a shoulder rest or sponge for violins and violas.
Q: How many Suzuki lessons do we have each year and how long is each lesson?
A: There are 40 private lessons (35 school year & 5 summer) and group classes according to the calendar. Fall semester (Aug-Nov) and Spring Semester (Feb-May). Private lessons are offered in 30, 45, and 60 minute time slots and group classes are 35 minutes in length.
Q: Where are Suzuki lessons located?
A: Most classes and lessons are at the Life Together Center, 3625 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, Illinois, 61604
We offer additional classes at Peoria Academy and Montessori School of Peoria.
Q: How do I pay for Suzuki lessons?
A: Complete the tuition form and give it to the Suzuki Director. Your invoice is automatically processed through Quickbooks each month. Contact the Suzuki Director with any questions in regard to lesson tuition.
Q: What do I do if I cannot attend a Suzuki lesson or group class?
A: Notify your teacher as soon as possible. Our Handbook states that missed lessons are not able to be credited. Your teacher may opt to offer an alternative time or online format, but this is solely at their discretion. and is not guaranteed. Some busy times of year may not allow for any flexibility in their schedules.
Q: Where can I learn about the Suzuki Method?
A: You can learn more at www.suzukiassociation.org, by reading To Learn with Love, Nurtured by Love, Ability Development from Age Zero
or by observing a lesson in our program!
Q:Where can I find information about what to wear for Suzuki concerts, attendance policy, and calendar?
A: The Suzuki Handbook has all that information, and weekly emails are sent from Youth Music Illinois staff.