Enrichment Classes

Twinklegarten Class (Ages 4 and Under)

Join us as we sing, dance, and tell stories! The Twinklegarten class incorporates elements from Suzuki Early Childhood Education and Suzuki Pre-Twinkle. Students will use their voices, play instruments, move their bodies, and hear stories while developing skills necessary for instrumental study. This course focuses on musical skills such as rhythmic and melodic understanding, social interaction, ensemble participation, and pre-instrumental gross and fine motor skills.

Taught by Rachel Fabulich.

Songs, Steps, and Stories (Ages 5 - 8)

In this class, we will explore our voices and instruments through games, movement, and storytelling. Using a variety of instruments, the group will learn to sing familiar and new melodies, move to understand rhythmic patterns, and engage in storytelling to bring music to life. We will encourage playful music-making, allowing for expression through ensemble training and creative improvisation.

Taught by Rachel Fabulich.

Dalcroze Eurythmics (Ages 7 and Up)

Dalcroze Eurythmics engages students of all ages and levels through playful activities and movement, exploring the foundations of music. Led by world-renowned Dalcroze Instructor Jeremy Dittus, students will discover new ways to approach rhythm, ear training, musical expression, and literacy. This hands-on method covers concepts such as meter, tempo, phrasing, form, and dynamics through purposeful movement, song, and improvisation. Younger students often learn through imaginative play and stories, while older students may focus on advanced skills necessary for their continued success on their instruments, including rhythm training, collaborative skills, ear training, sight-singing, and improvisation.

Taught by Jeremy Dittus.

Orff Class (Ages 8 and Under)

The Orff Schulwerk approach, developed by German composer Carl Orff and his colleague Gunild Keetman, uses a variety of barred and percussion instruments. Children develop their musicality through movement, singing, playing, and improvisational activities.

Taught by Becky Hanaburgh.

Orff Ensemble (Ages 8 - 12)

Participants in this ensemble will reimagine pieces from the Suzuki repertoire by playing arrangements on glockenspiels, xylophones, metallophones, and various percussion instruments. Students will employ musical memory, imitation, body percussion, and connections between speech and music as they work collaboratively and create aspects of the arrangements. By experiencing repertoire through a new medium, participants will broaden their perspectives as they continue working with their own instruments. The arrangements will be developed and practiced in class, culminating in a short performance of student work on Friday.

Taught by Becky Hanaburgh.

Folk Dances of the World (Ages 9 and Up)

In this class, we will explore a variety of dances from the United States and around the world, based on compilations such as *Dance Music for Children* by the Shenanigans, *Rhythmically Moving* by Phyllis Weikert, and the *New England Dancing Masters*.

Taught by Becky Hanaburgh.

Fiddle Class (Violins, Violas, Cellos - Book 2 and Above, Basic Reading Skills)

Join us for either a beginning or an advanced fiddle class. If this is your first or second fiddle experience at NESI, please select the beginning fiddle option. If you are an experienced fiddler, you should choose the advanced fiddle class. Music does not need to be memorized, but please learn as many songs as possible before the institute. [Click here to download sheet music and audio.]

Taught by Kaity Newell

Viola for Violinist(Violins - Book 2 and Above)

This class will be offered at two levels – book 2/3 and book 4+. Utilizing a special collection of fractional sized violas which allow students to comfortably familiarize themselves with the rich, deeper sound of viola, violin students can explore the viola in a group environment, benefitting from their previous knowledge and expanding their experience. Violists are always in demand! Gaining competency on the viola opens doors to greater chamber music options and inducts players into that very special group of musicians who love playing in the middle of harmony. If you can play the violin, you can play the viola! This class will also help your violin skills. Violas are generously provided by Vermont Violins.

Taught by Betsy Kobayashi and Gabe Remillard

Musical History Tour (Ages 7 and Up)

Take a journey through history as we explore opera and orchestral masterpieces, learning about great composers. Gain insights into their lives, personalities, and the times they lived in. This class introduces students to the fundamentals of music appreciation, teaching vocabulary and concepts through engaging activities. By acting out and portraying stories with costumes, multimedia, and audience participation, *Musical History Mystery Tours* brings these masterpieces to life in a way that is fun, memorable, and inspiring for children.

Taught by Chuck Speicher.

Black Belt Musicianship (Ages 12 and Up, Book 2 and Above)

This class focuses on applying music theory in practice. Students will rotate between electric guitar, bass guitar, drum set, and keyboard, exploring musical concepts in rhythm, harmony, melody, and improvisation during jam sessions. No previous experience is necessary on any of these instruments, as long as the student has experience with Book 2 and above.

Taught by Chuck Speicher.

Performing with Confidence (Ages 12 and Up, Book 3 and Above)

The Performing with Confidence class is a supportive and interactive program designed to help young musicians address stage anxiety and develop essential skills for performing with poise and assurance. This class is ideal for preteens and teens who feel nervous about playing in front of others or those who want to build their confidence on stage.

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment, adults are not permitted to observe the class, allowing participants to grow in a judgment-free setting. Each session will focus on a specific technique aimed at helping students overcome performance anxiety and cultivate a positive mindset.

Students will have the opportunity to perform a section of their piece twice: first, as they normally would, and second, with individual coaching from the instructor, applying the skill learned that day. Through these guided exercises, participants will discover tools to transform nervousness into energy and self-doubt into self-assurance.

Taught by Breana Bauman.

Second Instrument Master Class (Book 3 and Up)

Students at Book 3 and above may enroll in a secondary master class for a different instrument. The group/technique class will be conducted with their primary instrument.

Please note that there will be an additional fee for this class, and it is not intended for beginners.