Lakeland Youth Symphony offers a unique opportunity for young students to start their instruction in a Modified Suzuki Violin Program. This two year program is designed for beginning violin students ages five through ninet. The program was developed in 1983 by Lakeland’s very own Music Director, Debra Short Seftel, who continues to teach the program today. Lakeland students gain tremendously from Ms. Seftel’s wealth of talent and experience with young students.

Suzuki rehearsals are once per week on Saturday mornings. Based on the teachings of Shinichi Suzuki, the group class works on music reading, ear training, proper position and playing mechanics. The key to this program is the interaction and involvement between the student, teacher and parent. Parents assist the students during the class and act as the teacher during daily home practice. Children and parents do not need prior musical experience. All the concepts taught in class are easily mastered with daily practice and regular weekly class attendance. The many graduates of the Suzuki program who continue playing demonstrate both the value of the instruction and the joy of playing. Each year two classes of no more than twelve students begin the Suzuki Violin Program. After completing the two year program, students are ready to audition for the Prelude Orchestra.