Our School

The Ithaca Talent Education School, directed by Carrie Reuning- Hummel, is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes area of New York State. ITE offers instruction in the Suzuki Method for violin, viola, and cello. 

A full curriculum of musical activities includes private lessons, group repertory classes, advanced tour groups, and orchestras.  Monthly recitals, coaching with piano, ensemble concerts, and performances in the community complete the offerings of the school. 

Tuition includes all activities of the school, and classes are geared to satisfy the needs of each level of advancement.

At our school the parent is intimately involved with the education of the child.  Children may begin study as early as three years of age, with the parent assuming the role of “home teacher,” practicing at home with the student and attending every lesson. 

Learning begins with listening to a CD of pieces to be studied, careful attention to posture and form, and careful repetition of skills.  The Suzuki Method builds a repertoire of graded material to be internalized and ready for performance for family, friends, or a more formal audience. We believe, together with Dr. Suzuki, that

“EVERY CHILD CAN BE EDUCATED TO THEIR HIGHEST POTENTIAL.”

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

Our students range from the tiny “Twinkle” child to the advanced artistic student.  Our purpose is not to guide students toward a musical career, however many have graduated to attend the best schools of music in the country and have become professional performers and teachers. Our advanced students have participated over the years in tours to Israel, Japan, Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, and Mexico, stimulating an interest in learning about other cultures and sharing our music with many wonderful people.

FAQ’s

  • They are rarely too young, and never too old, to Twinkle. We take students as early as age three. The best opportunity to gauge readiness is to attend our “Jumpstart Twinkle” program hosted in August. Students interact with instruments, teachers, and other children in a music class environment and teachers can guide you to decide if this is the right year to start.

  • Parents, or closest caregivers, play an essential role to the Suzuki Method. Parents attend every lesson and group class, play the reference recordings at home, and set the tone for home learning with a rich musical environment. As the child grows, the role of the parent changes, but it never diminishes.

  • No. Your individual teacher will guide you in selecting your first instrument.

  • Students at Ithaca Talent Education will have the opportunity to work with every faculty member through group classes, workshops, play-ins, and concerts. An individual teacher will be chosen at the beginning of study based on availability.