Foundational Program
The Foundational Program is designed for students who have graduated the Twinkle Variations through the first Suzuki volumes.
Violin Books 1-3
Viola & Cello Books 1-2
Expect Excellence
Our Foundational Program is meant for students beginning their journey on their instrument. Students will be placed in classes depending on their instrument, repertoire and age. Students are eligible to join the Foundational Program once they have graduated from the Twinkle Variations at their home studio. LASI is a Family Retreat. Students 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult the entire time.
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Foundational Curriculum:
Check our Price List for current tuition fees. Each student will have four classes per day, which include:
Masterclass: A semi-private lesson where the student has one on one instruction from a teacher while other students observe. This class is limited to four students of the same instrument and level. Students must choose one polished, memorized piece from the Suzuki repertoire with the help of your home teacher.
Group Class: A single instrument group class where students go through Suzuki pieces together. The focus is on learning how to play pieces together as an ensemble. Please visit our Repertoire List for this year’s selection of required pieces.
One Elective Course: Students will rank their preferred elective on the registration form when they register.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in the following:
Monday Play-in
Performance in Finale Concert on Friday
A scheduled hour for practice outdoors.
Attendance at various concerts and recitals, such as the Faculty Recital, Guest Artist Recital, Honors Recital, Informal Recitals, and Fun Night.
“My favorite thing at LASI was EVERYTHING! I especially liked meeting new people, my master class and Dalcroze. I can’t wait to go back next summer!”
— Richie C.
Foundational Elective Courses
All Foundational students will automatically be placed in Dalcroze (see below for more information) with Jeremy Dittus and will choose one elective at registration. You may be wondering: what is Dalcroze? Dalcroze Education is a playful, experiential approach to teaching and learning music. It is a process for awakening, developing, and refining innate musicality through rhythmic movement (often called eurhythmics), ear-training, and improvisation. You can learn more at the Dalcroze Society of America website.
Electives Foundational students may choose at registration:
Foundational Orchestra with Bruce Walker - String players late Book 1 and up. Must be able to read music. Students must be at least 8 years old to be placed in orchestra.
Fiddling with Natalie Brejcha - String players late Book 1 and up, ages 6 and up.
Art Class with Natalie Brejcha - Ages 4 and up.
Foundational Sample Schedule
Monday through Thursday Schedule
On Monday there is a 9AM Welcome Ceremony followed by instrument specific play-ins at 10AM. Student’s first class period may meet at 11AM. Each class meets 4 times over the week. The cafeteria is open for one hour at each meal time and meals must be purchased ahead of time through registration.
8:00AM Breakfast
9:00AM Class Period 1: Masterclass
10:00AM Class Period 2: Orchestra
11:00AM Class Period 3: Dalcroze
12:00AM Lunch Break
1:30PM Daily Concert Hour
2:30PM Class Period 4: Free Time/Practice
3:30PM Class Period 5: Repertoire Class
4:30PM Parent Talks/Alternate activities for the students
5:30PM Dinner
Friday Schedule
9:00AM Class Period 1: Masterclass
10:00AM Class Period 2: Orchestra
All student classes end after Class Period 2.
11:00AM Orchestra Concert
12:00PM Lunch Break
1:30PM Chamber Ensemble Concerts
4:00PM Strings Finale Concert (Group Class Play Down)
All student concerts end by 5:00pm PDT
Schedule is subject to change.
Foundational Program Frequently asked questions
My child has just started lessons - can they attend LASI?
Yes! We have a program for beginners called the Pre-Twinkle Program that you may register for. Students who have mastered the Twinkle Variations are ready for the Foundational Program.
What’s the age range to attend LASI?
LASI is designed for children ages 4 - 18
What should I prepare for LASI?
Students should review the Suzuki repertoire up to his or her current playing level and should prepare a polished, memorized piece as a solo for their masterclass teacher. It is recommended to pick a review piece that the student knows really well.
Find more questions answered on our FAQ or reach out to the admin team.
Level Up: PREP Program
Our PREP Program is meant for intermediate students who have completed the early Suzuki books and are on their way to becoming Young Artists.
Violin Books 4+
Viola & Cello Books 3+
Twinkler Program
This program is designed for violin students with no experience or students in Pre-Twinkle or Twinkle at their home studio.