About Suzuki String Academy
"Character First, Ability Second."
~ Shinichi Suzuki
Ruth Klinginsmith and Marianne Wall
"If a musician wants to become a finer artist,
he must first become a finer person."
~ Shinichi Suzuki
Our Vision
The vision of Suzuki String Academy is to create family and community connections through music by investing in the future of our children and providing a supportive and thriving active Suzuki Community in North Idaho. Suzuki not only cultivates important life skills and character in students through music, but also helps them fosters a lifelong companionship with their instrument and music.
Our Mission
The mission of Suzuki String Academy is build character and beautiful hearts while working together with parents/guardians to nurture the student as a whole and inspire the joy of learning music together.
Our Core Values
At Suzuki String Academy we provide the highest quality Suzuki instruction by certified experienced faculty including private and group lessons for violin, viola and cello founded on the internationally acclaimed Suzuki Instructional Method principles:
• All children have musical talent
• Music education begins early, through listening (from birth)
• Parents/Guardians play a vital role in their child’s learning process
• A positive and nurturing environment influences success
Our Story
In the Spring of 2019 Ruth Klinginsmith and Marianne Wall had a BIG dream of creating a thriving and active Suzuki School in Sandpoint Idaho. Music had played an integral part in each of their lives and they wanted to share that gift with the families in their community. The Suzuki Philosophy spoke to each of them deeply which focuses on the character development of the student first, starting training at an early age and integrating parent involvement within a supportive environment.
So with some trepidation and much enthusiasm they started in a small two room studio in the Sandpoint Business and Events Center with just eight students, half of them being their own children. In just four years they have expanded and moved into their own building and are serving over 65 families in their local community. They continue to grow and have welcomed five more teachers and staff to their team who share their passion.
“We are so honored to witness the families in our community embracing the Suzuki Philosophy. Seeing the powerful transformation and positive impact in their lives has made our dream come true.” - Ruth and Marianne
The Suzuki Method
"The main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings. That is sufficient. If this is not their greatest hope, in the end the child may take a road contrary to their expectations. Children can play very well.
We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also."
—S. Suzuki