Jenna is certified through the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach Suzuki Books 1-4.
She’s deeply inspired by Dr. Suzuki’s method to use the study of music to develop sensitive hearts and strong work ethic within our future generations. Students of Jenna’s studio attend weekly lessons as well as bi-weekly group lessons during the school year to enhance violin playing and build a sense of community.
“If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
-Shinichi Suzuki
“She is supportive, kind and sees each child for who they are.”
★★★★★
My daughter loves taking lessons from Jenna. She is supportive, kind and sees each child for who they are. She makes lessons fun! I have been so impressed with Jenna’s style of teaching. You can’t go wrong taking lessons from her.
-Joy Belanger Facebook review
Current Availability
Summer 2025: Jenna is able to accept one more student on Thursdays at 1:00 for this summer. Please contact Jenna to register for lessons.
Fall 2025: Students who take summer lessons receive priority for scheduling lessons in the Fall. Registration for new students in the Fall will open during the first week of September, after all summer students and all returning students have had a chance to schedule their lessons.
The Suzuki Method
Below is a brief overview of the Suzuki method. For a more detailed description, please see the Suzuki Association of the Americas’ website.
Dr. Suzuki
Japanese violinist and philosopher Shinichi Suzuki recognized that every healthy child learns to speak their native language with ease, and sought to apply this idea to learning the violin. He believed that immersing a child in music would help them learn to play the violin with a beautiful tone and with ease. Children learn to speak by hearing words spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is the keystone to learning to play the violin repertoire in the Suzuki Method.
The “Mother Tongue Method”
Dr. Suzuki was inspired by the fact that every healthy child learns to speak his native language. He decided to imitate the way children learn a language and use it to learn to play a musical instrument as well. When children learn their native tongue, they are immersed in it every day, so we immerse children in beautiful music every day as well. This is done with daily listening to the material students will one day learn to play.
“Beautiful Tone, Beautiful Heart.”
Being deeply affected by the events of World War II, Shinichi Suzuki was moved to share the gift of music with children to produce fine members of society who had sensitive hearts. Dr. Suzuki believed that musicianship was not an innate ability, but rather a skill that each child could develop if given the proper tools. He believed that if we provide the student with these tools and a safe place to experience the struggle of learning an instrument, children would learn to persevere and develop beautiful hearts.
Parent Involvement
The Suzuki Triangle puts responsibility on the student, teacher, and the parent working together as a team on a child’s musical education. Just as the parent helps the child learn to speak, so too should the parent help the child to learn the violin. Parents of my studio are expected to attend lessons throughout Book 1 and part of Book 2 so they can take notes and act as the child’s “home teacher” during the week. Parents and teachers work together towards this goal of musical education and creating an enjoyable learning environment for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be to take lessons?
Great question! It really varies from family to family, but many children are ready for Suzuki violin or viola lessons by age 4.
Do you teach adult students?
Yes! While I mostly teach students aged 4-16, I do have several adult students. Adult students follow a similar curriculum – meaning my adult students still learn to play by ear to start and will need to hold themselves accountable for listening to their music every day.
Do we need an instrument for the first lesson?
Nope! Although they will need one after a couple weeks. I start most of my students on a box violin, then I recommend renting fractional sized instruments at Meyer Music or Grand Rapids Violins.
Should I purchase an instrument online?
I highly recommend NOT purchasing your child’s first instrument, and I especially recommend not purchasing that instrument online unless it’s from a music shop that specializes in instruments from the violin family. Cheap instruments break easily and are hard to play.
Where are you located?
My home studio is located in the Southern tip of Ada, about 25 minutes Southeast of Downtown Grand Rapids.
How much are lessons?
My 30 minute lessons are $35, 45 minute lessons are $45, and 60 minute lessons are $55. I offer a 10% discount for additional family members who take lessons in my studio. (This discount only applies to students paying my current rate for lessons)