Special Events
In addition to concerts showcasing students, Edmonton Suzuki Piano School periodically hosts events that encourage continued growth and learning. The main events are the annual Fall Workshop, Spring Festival and The River City Suzuki Piano Institute.
Fall Workshop
Edmonton’s largest Suzuki piano event features a unique learning opportunity for ESPS families. The Fall Workshop offers master classes for students with guest teachers, parent sessions, and special enrichment activities for students, all designed to help inspire, encourage and motivate participants.
The Fall Workshop offers many benefits. The students find it motivating to prepare and perform a piece for a special event. They also can learn from a visiting teacher and observe other students they might not usually know. Every family, including those with beginner students, is encouraged to attend. Students can register as a participant or observer of these sessions.
Spring Festival
The Spring Festival combines performance and education. The performance portion is designed as an individual growth opportunity. Each student performs for the adjudicating teacher, who will then evaluate and comment on the students' performances. The resulting remarks focus on personal development versus grades or ranking of the participants.
The students are placed in small groups according to book level and age. In advance of the festival, each student prepares a piece and polishes it to the best of their ability. During the festival, they perform it in the class for the visiting teacher to evaluate and make written comments. These comments typically include suggestions for further study, practice tips, and encouragement.
The Spring Festival is a fantastic opportunity to hear other students perform as well. Students and parents learn through their own adjudications and by hearing feedback others receive. Students are also inspired and encouraged by hearing the performances of the other students in their class. Teachers encourage and urge families to observe at least one additional class at the festival.
