Programs

2024 Summer Camps

Registration is now open!

The Dorothy Gerber Strings Program summer opportunities are intended to serve a wide range of students, including students not previously in the Gerber Program and summer visitors to the Northern Michigan area. 

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Parent Hub

All the information you need to make your class experience with the DGSP successful and stress-free. 

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Summer Camps

Offering exceptional strings music education to the youth of Northern Michigan through school strings classes, private lessons, and a youth orchestra program. 

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Instrument Rentals

Families are encouraged to rent an instrument rather than buy, especially if the student is not yet ready for a full-sized instrument.

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Suzuki Program Information

The Suzuki method is a very unique way of learning music and it is different from the traditional method.

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Class Schedules

2023/24 Class Schedules are now available!

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2024 Practice Challenge

In 2024's Practice Challenge, students will enter the wonderful world of LEGO. They'll work on their musical growth through practice time and guidance from their teachers. 

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Strings Classes

The DGSP offers string classes where students learn to play an instrument, in a group setting, with qualified teachers. Classes are held twice a week in a variety of locations throughout the school year. Classes begin in October.

Instruments

Students may choose to learn the violin, viola, cello, or bass; instrument rentals are encouraged through DGSP.

Ages

Students must be in fourth grade or above to participate and may continue until they graduate from high school.

Levels

Beginner, intermediate, middle school orchestra, and high school orchestra levels are offered at most locations.

Time

Twice a week depending on location.

Locations

Boyne City, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Elk Rapids, Ellsworth, Harbor Springs, Alanson/Pellston/Inland Lakes, and Petoskey.

Cost

Classes are offered tuition-free and the only cost is for instrument rental.

Performances

Classes perform in multiple concerts during the year, including a December holiday concert and the program-wide Collage Concert in May.

Suzuki Program

The Suzuki Method is an iconic movement of string education that features private and group lessons. The Suzuki method specializes in teaching very young students by the "mother tongue" method, with a strong emphasis on parental involvement and learning music by ear. Students may begin as young as four years old. Suzuki lessons are offered for a moderate cost and scholarships are available for those in need.

Instruments

Violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Ages

Students can start as young as four years old.

Time

Private lessons once a week with the expectation that students will practice daily.

Locations

Charlevoix, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Elk Rapids, Boyne City, and Beaver Island.

Cost

$30 (30 minutes); $40 (40 minutes); $50 (one hour)

Group Classes

Free group classes, held at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts on Saturday mornings, supplement private lessons.

Performances

Students perform in two recitals each school year and also participate in the program-wide Collage Concert in May.

Traditional Private Lessons

Private lessons are the most efficient way to teach the art of instrument playing. A master teacher is able to customize the lessons to address each student’s unique abilities and needs. Lessons take place once each week with the expectation that the student practices what they’ve learned on a daily basis at home.

Instruments

Violin, viola, cello, and bass.

Time

Once a week with practice expected on other days.

Locations

Charlevoix, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Elk Rapids, Boyne City, and Beaver Island.

Cost

$25 (30 minutes); $35 (45 minutes); $50 (60 minutes)

Performances

Students perform in two recitals each school year and also participate in the program-wide Collage Concert in May.

Dorothy Gerber Youth Orchestra

For students who desire a more advanced level of music-making, the DGYO is offered weekly. DGSP teachers coach students to play in the context of an orchestra, where each instrument section plays independent parts for an exciting musical experience.

Levels

Advanced students who have graduated from the intermediate level; students from around the area are invited to apply for acceptance in the the DGYO.

Time

Monday evenings, 6:30-8:30PM.

Location

Great Lakes Center for the Arts

Performances

Past performance locations include GLCFA, Boyne City Performing Arts Center, Castle Farms, Venetian Festival, and a feature on Interlochen Public Radio's "Kids Commute."