Suzuki Plus Handbook
2026
SUZUKI PLUS
In cooperation with Suzuki School of Elgin, the parent organization, Suzuki Plus, provides avenues of communication within the program, scholarships, fund-raising, etc. Their functions are briefly described on the following pages.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Suzuki Plus maintains a social media presence to act as a newsletter for Suzuki families, as well as a marketing tool for perspective families. Contributions of posts, photos, and videos are welcome from students and parents.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Suzuki Plus is proud to provide scholarships in support of students and families. The two types available are tuition reimbursement and senior scholarships. All scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify.
The student must attend group class regularly (3 out of 4 per month).
The family must take part in fundraisers.
The family must pay Suzuki Plus dues for each year.
It is important to note that these represent the minimum requirements for all scholarships.
A scholarship year begins with the fall semester of SSE and continues to the beginning of the following fall semester. Scholarship forms must be submitted by October 1 of each year for the previous year's workshops. Suzuki institutes and other summer music camps are considered for scholarships. Any questions concerning whether or not an institute will be considered for a scholarship will be determined by the Suzuki Plus Board of Directors.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: There are two levels of tuition reimbursement scholarships available.
Basic: Families will receive $25.00 each day of the workshop or mini-institute attended outside of SSE. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the scholarship in addition to participating in all fundraising activities.
Active: Families will receive 50% of tuition costs for each week-long institute or approved summer music camp attended. Families must meet the minimum requirements, the requirements for a Basic reimbursement, as well as have involvement in Suzuki Plus as an officer (be present for at least 5 meetings per year).
Please note: Reimbursements cover only tuition costs. It does not include other expenses such as registration fees, transportation, housing or meals.
Applications can be found on our website: www.suzukischoolofelgin.com.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP: Suzuki Plus will award a scholarship up to $750.00 for graduating seniors toward tuition for the educational institution of each student's choice.
Recipients must be active participants. (i.e. attending repertoire classes and a majority of performances).
Enrolled for at least five (5) years in the SSE program.
Students should be prepared to perform on a solo recital in the spring or one piece at the annual Spring Concert.
Provide documentation identifying the school, vocational program or military branch they will be attending. Students taking a year off may defer the scholarship up to one year from the date of graduation.
A scholarship year begins with the fall semester of SSE and continues to the beginning of the following fall semester. Scholarship forms found on our website must be submitted by October 1 of each year for the previous year's institutes. Any questions concerning whether or not a school or institution will be considered for a scholarship will be determined by the Suzuki Plus Board of Directors.
FUNDRAISING
There will be fund-raisers each year. Other monies may come from performances or functions voted on by the Suzuki Plus Board of Directors.
SPRING CONCERT
An annual program including all students takes place in the Spring. All students will play the literature that he/she knows as “polished pieces,” and must know all selections programmed to that point. Each student will be in concert dress. Suzuki Plus is the sponsor and promoter of the program.
TRIPS
Any performing trips are subject to the standards listed under “Performing.” The organization of such trips will be handled by Suzuki Plus.
LIBRARY
A library of books, tapes, videos, games, CD's, and computer programs are available to parents and students in the SSE program. Items may be checked out at the Music House.
SOCIAL
A variety of activities are arranged for SSE students and their families throughout the year.
PUBLICITY
Photos and articles on SSE concerts and functions will be kept for future reference. Publicity will also put out press releases in local newspapers as well as advertise upcoming concerts and programs that are open to the public. At the beginning of each school year, a photo and video release form will be placed in each student’s folder so families can indicate whether they grant permission for their student’s image to be used in school publicity materials.
PERFORMING
Performing is a natural outgrowth of learning in a Suzuki program. A few of the benefits are listed below:
Social stimulus for the student.
Building of self-confidence
Input into the community.
Versatility of playing
Group cohesiveness
In order to maintain the standard of performance at a level that enables the group to accomplish these benefits, the following standards must be observed by any student who performs with SSE.
Be in regular attendance at group class
Be at any rehearsals called for a given performance.
Meet the standards of performance dress for a given concert.
Once committed to a given performance, does not renege.
PERFORMANCE DRESS
Concert dress is given below and will be used for the majority of the playing engagements. Any variation from the above will be noted to the students by the program director.
GIRLS: BLACK top (3/4 length or long sleeved), knee-length BLACK skirt or pants, BLACK tights (matte black - no patterns), BLACK flat dress shoes of your choice. NO JEWELRY or NAIL POLISH. Hair decorations must be black or white, pulled back from the face.
BOYS: BLACK button-down long-sleeved shirt. BLACK long slacks. NO jeans style pants. BLACK socks and shoes. Hair must be away from the face. A player who fails to follow the dress code may not be allowed to perform.
Appendix 1: Senior Letter
Congratulations Senior!
You have made it to your last year and we are honored to help you celebrate your amazing accomplishments. This letter is to let you know the events Suzuki Plus has planned for you along with deadlines. We know this is a very busy year for you so we would suggest you get as much of this done ahead of time as you can.
Senior Recital
This will be your big event to showcase the musical talent you have been nurturing all these years.
1. During the summer, commit to a date with your fellow seniors and Suzuki Plus. Pick your 3 pieces with your teacher: (1) A concerto or advanced piece (2) A show piece of your choice (3) a piece from Suzuki Book 1 or 2. Begin rehearsing!!
2. During the fall, hire an accompanist, plan rehearsals and be responsible for paying him/her. Generally the accompanist we use are $60/hr with total time tallied by the accompanist.
3. Present biography and photo to Suzuki plus in time for publicity and program printing. Find those old pictures of you playing or being in SSE and assemble a poster.
4. Play for teacher, director and Suzuki plus board member 1 month before scheduled program.
5. Go over recital protocol and dress code with private teacher.
6. Invite all your friends, family, teachers and groupies and play your heart out.
Spring Concert
Yes, your last one!
1. Bring desert one of the rehearsal food nights to say good bye to all the little musicians following in your foot steps.
2. Prepare a 2 minute speech, get a rough draft to Suzuki plus the week before and make a practice run on the microphone the Friday before.
Senior Scholarship:
You can receive your scholarship check after spring concert if:
1. You have participated in Senior concert and Spring concert
2. Your financial obligations to SSE and Suzuki Plus have been paid
3. You present a letter confirming you will be attending college in the fall
Seniors please provide email address and cell phone number. It will be a hectic year and we would prefer to contact you directly if we are missing something from you.
Looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
President Suzuki Plus
Appendix 2: SSE SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES
1. Play on a recital - 3 pieces
A concerto or advanced piece A show piece of your choice
A piece from Suzuki Book 1 or 2
2. Play for teacher, director & Suzuki plus board member 1 month before scheduled program
3. Present biography & photo to Suzuki Plus in time for publicity & program printing.
4. Hire an accompanist & be responsible for paying him/her.
5. Go over recital protocol & dress code with private teacher.
6. Continue lessons & participation in SSE through high school graduation.
7. All financial obligations must be paid before scholarship check will be presented.
These guidelines are in addition to those found under "scholarships" in the SSE/Suzuki Plus handbook.