Strings Placement Quiz

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.

🎻 MERIT STRINGS PLACEMENT QUIZ 🎻

Need help? Contact Merit’s Strings Program Manager, Nicole Hernandez, at [email protected].

Step 1: Suzuki or Traditional? Choose a method!👇

Suzuki method

The Suzuki method applies the principals 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 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.

→ Choose a Suzuki-Alegre group class.

Traditional method

Merit’s Traditional strings classes still encourage parent involvement—through providing a supportive practicing environment at home and ensuring your child sticks to their practice routine—but parents/caregivers don’t regularly attend classes. 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 bass.

→ Choose a Traditional group class.

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 strings classes

Is your child a beginner with no experience?

→ Register for Beginning Suzuki-Alegre Group Class for violin or cello.

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 musical concepts

→ Register for Continuing Suzuki-Alegre Strings Group Class for violin (SAViolinbk123) or cello (SAClobk123).

Is your child in Suzuki Book 2 or higher?

If your child…

  • Is 8 years or older
  • Has strong note-reading skills

They’re ready for one of our more advanced strings classes! These classes are extended to include participation in an orchestra and to allow for more in-depth work on advanced technique, musical skill work, and music theory.

→ Register for Continuing Suzuki-Alegre Strings Group Class & Orchestra for violin (SAViolinbk234Orch23) or cello (SAClobk234Orch23).

Traditional strings classes

Is your child a beginner with no experience?

→ Register for Beginning Traditional Strings Group Class for violin.

Does your child have at least 1 year of experience on violin or bass?

If your child…

  • Knows the foundations of proper string technique, including proper posture and hand position
  • Is familiar with basic musical concepts

→ Register for Continuing Traditional Strings Group Class for violin (ContTradViolin23) or bass (ContTradBass23).

Does your child have at least 3 years of experience on violin or bass?

If your child…

  • Is 8 years or older
  • Has strong note-reading skills

They’re ready for one of our more advanced strings classes! These classes are extended to include participation in an orchestra and to allow for more in-depth work on advanced technique, musical skill work, and music theory.

→ Register for Continuing Traditional Strings Group Class & Orchestra for violin (ContTradViolinOrch23) or bass (ContTradBassOrch23).

READY TO MAKE SOME MUSIC?

Sign up for strings classes at Merit!

REGISTER TODAY