Suzuki String Program
The Deanery School of Music is currently registering students ages 4-10 years old for its new Suzuki String Program, the only one in the Quad City area. It is taught by Renee Santos, who holds a Master of Arts degree in violin performance from the University of Iowa.
The Suzuki Method is a joyful, nurturing approach to music education that helps children develop musical ability through listening, repetition, encouragement, and a supportive learning environment. Developed by Japanese violinist and educator Shinichi Suzuki, the method is founded on a simple yet powerful idea: every child has the potential to learn music, just as every child learns to speak their native language.
In Suzuki lessons, students begin by listening to carefully selected music and developing a strong musical ear before learning to read music. Parents play an important role in the process, creating a positive home environment and supporting regular practice. Students learn through small, achievable steps, building confidence and skill as they progress.
The Suzuki Method goes beyond learning to play an instrument. It nurtures concentration, perseverance, coordination, self-discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Group classes and performances also give students opportunities to learn alongside others, build friendships, and experience the joy of making music together.
Whether your child is taking their first musical steps or developing skills they will carry for years to come, the Suzuki Method offers a warm and encouraging path to musical growth.
Schedule: Renee will be teaching on Thursday evenings after 4 pm and Sundays 11 am to 5 pm. Chamber coachings and Suzuki group class can take place during either of those blocks as well as lessons.
Cost: $60 for one hour, $30 for 30 minutes, $20 for 20 minutes.
Scholarship funds are available on a needs basis.
Register
To register for the Suzuki String Program, please fill out the registration form.
$60 for one hour
$30 for 30 minutes
$20 for 20 minutes.
Meet the Teacher
Originally from Sioux City, Iowa, violinist Renee Santos received her Master of Arts in violin performance at the University of Iowa with Dr. Scott Conklin. She was a member of both the Dunn Graduate String Quartet and the Seamark Quartet under the instruction of Prof. Elizabeth Oakes. Renee also earned her Bachelors of Music at the University of Iowa, and has been an active member in the Chamber Music Residency Program and the University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, where she served as the concertmaster. Renee loves chamber music, and has participated for the past four years in the Summer Chamber Tour, a collaboration between the Chamber Music Residency Program and Arts Share that brings chamber music to communities throughout Eastern Iowa. As part of her work with the Dunn Quartet, she helped to develop Caring Cadences: a program to create and present concerts for people with dementia and memory loss. Renee presented her work on Caring Cadences at the Midwest American Music Therapy Association Conference in 2025. She has won numerous competitions and performance opportunities, including solo appearances with Orchestra Omaha in 2021 and the Cherokee Symphony in 2019. She has worked in chamber masterclasses with the Brentano, Takacs, and Cavani string quartets, and in solo masterclasses with Alan Snow, Dmitri Murath, Liza Ferschtman, Pasha Sabouri, and Jinjoo Cho. In the summer of 2026, Renee will travel with the Seamark and Conifer Quartets to Prague as part of a collaboration between the Chamber Music Residency Program and the Lobkowicz Collection.