Find the Right Strings Class for Your Child!
Learn a string instrument at Merit School of Music! Strings classes give music-lovers a creative outlet and are a fun way to learn to read music and build strong practice habits.
Merit’s celebrated faculty create a supportive, fun, and challenging environment for kids and teens of all ages and experience levels. Our small class sizes provide a group experience while also allowing for individual attention.
New to Merit? Or not quite sure where your skills fit? Use our handy strings placement quiz below to find the right class level based on your child’s skill and experience. Returning Merit strings students should reference their teacher recommendation when selecting a Continuing Strings class.
↓ Keep scrolling to view the placement quiz
Merit Strings Placement Quiz
Need help? Contact Merit’s Strings Program Manager, Nicole Hernandez, at nhernandez@meritmusic.org
Step 1: Suzuki or Traditional? Choose a method!
Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method applies the principles of language acquisition to the learning of music. Parents play an active role in the learning process (parent/caregiver attendance is required at 100% of classes and lessons for children below age 10) and the curriculum incorporates constant repetition, learning music by ear (in the beginning), and memorization.
At Merit, Suzuki-Alegre students benefit from the pairing of the Suzuki Method with a diverse array of music from Latinx culture. Suzuki students are also required to sign up for private lessons in conjunction with their group classes.
Merit currently offers Suzuki-Alegre classes for the violin and cello.
Traditional Method
Merit’s Traditional strings classes also encourage parent involvement, with parents/caregivers attending classes for children below age 10. In addition, note-reading skills are taught earlier on and memorization of music isn’t usually required.
Merit currently offers Traditional classes for violin and cello.
Step 2: Find the right class! Now that you’ve decided on Suzuki vs. Traditional, it’s time to figure out which class level your child should join.
Suzuki-Alegre String Classes
Is your child a beginner with no experience?
Register for Beginning Suzuki-Alegre Group Class for violin or cello.
Students in the Suzuki-Alegre Program are required to enroll in private lessons in conjunction with their group class. Learn more about private strings lessons at Merit.
Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.
Does your child have at least 2 years of experience on violin or cello?
If your child…
- Is on Suzuki Book 1
- Knows the foundations of proper string technique, including proper posture and hand position
- Is familiar with basic music concepts
Then your child can join one of our weekly group classes that are 55-minutes twice a week. Group class levels will vary based on student skills. Register for a placement audition by emailing Nicole Hernandez at nhernandez@meritmusic.org
Students in the Suzuki-Alegre Program are required to enroll in private lessons in conjunction with their group class. Learn more about private strings lessons at Merit.
Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.
Is your child in Suzuki Book 2 or higher?
If your child…
- Is 8 years or older
- Has strong note-reading skills
Camp Merit brings all of Merit’s large ensembles together—band, choir, and orchestra—for 2 fun-filled weeks. Each student will select a track (band, choir, or orchestra) based on their main area of study. Band and orchestra students who enjoy singing also have the option to add the choir track to their schedules.
During camp, your child will build skills during rehearsals and have the opportunity to try something new in our engaging elective classes that range from West African Drumming to Songwriting. After spending 2 weeks having fun and refining their skills with the support of Merit’s celebrated faculty, the camp will conclude with a final performance for family and friends—empowering students to take pride in how much they’ve learned and grown.
Students in the Suzuki-Alegre Program are required to enroll in private lessons in conjunction with their group class. Learn more about private strings lessons at Merit. Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.Traditional String Classes
Is your child a beginner with no experience?
Register for Beginning Traditional Strings Group Class for violin or cello.
Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.
Does your child have at least 1 year of experience on violin?
If your child…
- Knows the foundations of proper string technique, including proper posture and hand position
- Is familiar with basic music concepts
Then your child can join one of our weekly group classes that are 55-minutes twice a week. Group class levels will vary based on student skills. Register for a placement audition by emailing Nicole Hernandez at nhernandez@meritmusic.org
Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.
Does your child have at least 3 years of experience on violin, cello, or bass?
If your child…
- Is 8 years or older
- Has strong note-reading skills
Then your child can join Camp Merit – Orchestra Track.
Camp Merit brings all of Merit’s large ensembles together—band, choir, and orchestra—for 2 fun-filled weeks. Each student will select a track (band, choir, or orchestra) based on their main area of study. Band and orchestra students who enjoy singing also have the option to add the choir track to their schedules.
During camp, your child will build skills during rehearsals and have the opportunity to try something new in our engaging elective classes that range from West African Drumming to Songwriting. After spending 2 weeks having fun and refining their skills with the support of Merit’s celebrated faculty, the camp will conclude with a final performance for family and friends—empowering students to take pride in how much they’ve learned and grown.
Regular parent attendance at all private lessons and group classes is required for students up to age 10. For students age 11 and up, please confirm the parent attendance requirements for your child with both your group class and private lesson teachers.
