At the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, we believe in the importance of music education and strive to nurture a love of music in children and the community. Music helps with math, science, coordination, creativity, languages, and cooperation.
SUZUKI
The Suzuki Method of teaching and learning music is based upon the philosophy that renowned Japanese violin pedagogue Dr. Shinichi Suzuki discovered early in his professional career: Every Child Can. He realized that all children across the world learn to speak and communicate their native languages with ease, despite the difficulties of the language. He believed that music is learned in much the same way as language and that every child can thrive in a musical environment. Dr. Suzuki’s method has come to inspire and guide music instruction all over the world. Learn more about our brand new Traverse Symphony Suzuki School, led by TSO musicians.
TSO Tots@TADL
TSO Tots@TADL camily concerts are free to the public and feature performances by small ensembles of the professional Traverse Symphony Orchestra. Family Concerts introduce children ages 5 and under to the components that make up an orchestra, via kid friendly and engaging arts activities. Click for more information and event details.
TSO IN THE SCHOOLS
The TSO in the Schools program offers day-long instrument workshops focusing on woodwind, brass, string and percussion instruments. These workshops include master class instruction, ensemble performances, instrument care and maintenance, as well as instrument rental and purchase logistics hosted by local vendors. Workshop clinicians are musicians from the professional Traverse Symphony Orchestra as well as guest artists from throughout the state of Michigan. Click here for more information and event details.
CIVIC STRING ORCHESTRAS
Civic string orchestras offer student and amateur adult musicians an opportunity to nurture individual artistic growth through music making in a group environment. The two string orchestras rehearse weekly under the baton of TSO cellist Lynne Tobin and present two concerts a year that are free and open to the public. Civic is a unique opportunity for music students of all ages to work with great teachers and musicians in the community. Current participants range from eight to eighty years old.
Civic orchestras include Civic Prelude String Orchestra open to students with one year of instruction and also includes adult beginners and those who have been away from their instrument for a number of years, Civic Sinfonia String Orchestra, open to more accomplished and committed students, who must have at least three years of experience. Click for more information and event details.
Traverse Symphony Community Education programs made possible in part by grants from the Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation, the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.