Suzuki Graduation upholds the tradition of graduating landmark pieces, started by Dr. Suzuki. The Coastal Branch emphasizes a warm and nurturing environment that celebrates the milestones of each student. The home teacher decides when a student has sufficiently mastered a piece and is ready to graduate.  Coastal Branch graduation is open to the students of any Coastal Branch teacher.

When a student is ready with the piece polished and memorized, the home teacher will set up a recording session with a piano accompanist.  Recordings can be made in audio or video format.  The student usually gets 2-3 tries in a session to complete the recording.  This is up to the discretion of the teacher, and additional recording sessions can be arranged if necessary.  The teacher will choose the recording which best reflects the ability of the student.  In addition to recording the graduation piece, the student will recite an opening introduction, following a script. Recordings can be made at any point in the year and will be submitted by the student's family in the spring when graduation submissions open.  Coastal Branch teachers will be sent the necessary forms and information in January.

Submissions open each year and the Graduation Recital is held each spring.  The Graduation Recital honors the graduating students, and also serves as a play-in and motivational concert for all students in the Coastal branch.  A list of extra pieces from the Suzuki repertoire will be provided to teachers so any student not graduating, will be invited to play the additional pieces.  Any student who has graduating level III and above can play the orchestra parts for Vivaldi and Bach concertos.    

We look forward to welcoming you to the Coastal Branch Suzuki Graduation!