2026 registration is closed. Thank you to all who registered!
Who This Program Is For
The Summer Institute is a great fit for students who:
- Are currently studying an instrument or participating in a Suzuki music program
- Enjoy learning with peers and playing in groups
- Want a focused but encouraging musical experience
With students ranging from early beginners to advanced teens, instruction is thoughtfully grouped so every child is challenged at an appropriate level.
Four Days • Wednesday–Saturday
The institute runs Wednesday through Saturday, June 10–13, 2026, making it easy to fit into summer schedules while still providing a full, immersive experience.
Designed for children and teens, this four-day program offers high-quality musical instruction in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during institute hours.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Each day runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with built-in breaks so students stay focused and energized. Parents provide lunch, and the daily schedule is predictable and structured.
Students receive four hours of instruction each day, including:
- Masterclasses
- Ensemble/Musicianship classes
- Group classes by age and level
- Fiddling classes
- Group and Individual Performances
Across the four-day Wednesday–Saturday program, students build skills progressively and get opportunities to share what they’ve learned through performances.
Individual student schedules will be shared approximately two weeks before the start of the Institute.
Ensemble & Musicianship Classes
Ensemble and musicianship classes are differentiated based on students’ music-reading ability rather than book level.
Students without previous music reading ability or who are newer to reading focus on listening skills, rhythm, movement, and learning music aurally, with minimal reliance on printed music.
Students with stronger reading skills engage with notation-based repertoire, score awareness, and more complex ensemble work.
This approach allows all students to participate meaningfully in ensemble experiences while working at an appropriate and supportive level.
Student Recitals & Performance Opportunities
Student recitals take place on Thursday and Friday and provide an optional opportunity for students to perform in a supportive, encouraging setting.
Participation is optional but must be indicated and repertoire informed to FMI at the time of registration; no additional sign-ups will be accepted after registration is complete.
Recital participation is limited to the first 30 participants who opt to participate when registering for the institute. Repertoire must consist of a single-movement piece or one movement from a multi-movement work.
Faculty & Learning Environment
Instruction is led by experienced, caring teachers who specialize in working with young musicians.
Participants learn from professionals who balance high expectations with encouragement and support.
Location & Family Logistics
The institute takes place in Orlando, Florida at Broadway United Methodist Church (406 E Amelia Street, Orlando, FL 32803) — a convenient, central location with plenty of nearby lodging and dining options.
Because the program runs Wednesday through Saturday, families can easily plan a short stay or extend the experience into a relaxed weekend getaway.
Book Levels & Tuition Structure
Tuition rates differ between students in Books 1–3 and those in Book 4 and above based on class size and instructional pacing. Higher-level classes are intentionally capped at smaller enrollment to allow time for longer repertoire, more detailed coaching, and individualized feedback during classes and performances.
This smaller group structure ensures that advanced students receive the depth of instruction their level requires, which is reflected in the tuition rate.