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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.
↓ Keep scrolling to view the placement quiz
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 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 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 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, cello, and bass.
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?
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
Register for Continuing Suzuki-Alegre Strings Group Class for violin (SAVlnbk1SUM23) or cello (SAClobk1SUM23).
Is your child in Suzuki Book 2 or higher?
If your child...
- Is 8 years or older
- Has strong note-reading skills
Register for Continuing Suzuki-Alegre Strings Group Class for violin (SAVlnbk1SUM23) or cello (SAClobk1SUM23). Camp Merit - Orchestra Track (CampMerit23Orch) is also available for students ages 8+ with a minimum of 3 years experience (at Merit or elsewhere).
Traditional String 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, cello, or bass?
If your child...
- Knows the foundations of proper string technique, including proper posture and hand position
- Is familiar with basic music concepts
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
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 for violin (ConTradVln23), cello (CONTTRADCELLOSUM) or bass (ConTradBass23). Camp Merit - Orchestra Track (CampMerit23Orch) is also available for students ages 8+ with a minimum of 3 years experience (at Merit or elsewhere).
