Violin Lessons

Training in the Suzuki Method is based on an individual lesson each week.  Students ages five and older (including adults) may enroll in individual weekly lessons; three and four-year-olds attend small group sessions twice a week.  Typically our students range from beginner through concerto level.

When you and your child have decided to take violin lessons at the Preucil School of Music, please fill out the placement form below. For additional information on the enrollment process, please refer to the Enrollment section of this website.

Other Opportunities

A  full range of complementary group and performance opportunities enriches each student’s study. Your teacher will recommend the best choices for your ability and interest level.

Group Classes

Available for violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, voice.

Group performance classes meet weekly to work on technical skill development, repertoire review, and musical style in a motivational setting. Students are placed in a class according to ability level at the beginning of the school year, and remain in this class throughout the year. Group classes give the student the opportunity to work with various teachers at the School since the teacher of the group class may not be the child’s regular lesson teacher.

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Orchestras

Available for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp.

The orchestra experience provided by the Preucil School is an essential companion to the student’s weekly lesson and integral part of our comprehensive musical training.  It motivates students as they expand their technical, reading, and musical skills; allowing the student to expand their musical experience and fellowship.

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Chamber Music

Available for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, voice.

Chamber music is a form of classical music written for a small group of instruments that can be performed in a palace chamber or other intimate setting. Ensembles range in size from two to eight, typically without solo performance, one performer to a part. The Preucil School offers many chamber opportunities, each allowing students the opportunity for music and social collaboration.

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Performance Opportunities

Available for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, voice.

The Preucil School schedules a wide array of recital and concerts each year, many based on achievement of a Suzuki curriculum landmark. These opportunities allow the performer to master performance requirements, gain confidence and motivate fellow students and audience members.

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Master Classes

Available for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, voice.

At times when nationally recognized artists visit the Iowa City area, the Preucil School offers its students the opportunity to experience master classes. In a master class, a respected artist works with one student or a small group, providing a learning opportunity for performers and observers.

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Certificate Program

Available for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp.

The Certificate Program challenges each student to read, write, and hear the language of music with a high level of literacy. This tuition-free program for high school students includes intensive study in theory and musicianship, keyboard, and chamber music in addition to regular lessons and orchestra membership.

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Espressivo Strings

Espressivo Strings is a performance group made of those advanced violin students who are interested in expanding their skills and repertoire beyond what is possible in the private lesson. Students who have completed the Suzuki repertoire are eligible to audition. Members range in age from twelve to eighteen years old. The director is Lisa Guttenberg and the accompanist  is Chiaki Kubota.

The weekly rehearsals work on memorization of music, sight reading, and exercises to build individual technique and ensemble skills.

Music ranges from Baroque to Contemporary, with emphasis on Romantic Violin Pieces associated with salon performance in the early 20th century.

The group has performed in the midwest, Japan, and England. It has also been featured on several Holiday Pops Concerts with Orchestra Iowa, (formerly the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra).

For performance availability, please call Lisa Guttenberg at (319) 337-4156.

Ensemble con Brio

Ensemble con Brio is a performing group for violinists in books 6 – 8+. Students must be recommended by their teacher, and there are no age requirements. The group will be supplementing the standard Suzuki repertoire with additional pieces. Members must be willing to put in additional practice time. The goal is to create a young performing group of violinists with good posture, pitch, and tone that can be called upon to represent the school in public appearances when opportunities occur. From time to time, the group may combine with Espressivo Strings for special appearances.

The group meets at 4:30 – 5:15 pm every Monday at the Main Campus Lower Level Rehearsal Room. Those students who are in PSSO leave early to travel to the North Campus for orchestra. The other members will remain at the Main Campus for their 5:30 Concert Orchestra rehearsal. Repertoire groups for Hancher will preempt the con Brio rehearsals. Linda Judiesch is the leader of the group.

NOTE: All students participating in Ensemble con Brio must participate in the appropriate Preucil Orchestra.

Violin Faculty

Hannah Howland Jacobs

Amy Redhage

Sonja Berven Zeithamel

Mary Neumann

Joshua Palazzolo

Tabitha Rasmussen

Scott Conklin

Marit Hervig

Lisa Guttenberg

Linda Judiesch

Janet Ault

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