Violin - Piano - Cello - Guitar - Musical Theatre - Early Childhood -Adult Cultural programs
Young Strings
Teen Guitar
Beginners
Build confidence, develop performance skills, and discover your musical voice —
with exceptional teachers giving individual attention that honours who you are, how you learn,
and the pace you want to take.
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Something that builds real confidence and opens doors you didn't even know existed? Where you're celebrated for your unique talents and supported through every challenge?
Welcome to Scotia Suzuki—where guitar becomes a powerful part of your life story,
not just another activity.
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IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
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For Teens Who Want More:
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Are you curious about guitar but worried you're "starting too late"? (Spoiler: you're not!)
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Do you want to be part of something meaningful—a community where you and your family truly belong?
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Are you looking for a challenge that builds confidence instead of just adding pressure?
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Do you want to develop real skills that will serve you in college and beyond—stress relief, focus, discipline, and social connections?
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Are you drawn to the idea of music helping you express yourself authentically, learning by ear first and sharing your musical gifts with confidence and joy?
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For Parents Who Value Growth:
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Do you want your teen involved in something that builds character and confidence, not just technique?
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Are you looking for a program that treats your teen as an individual, not just another student in the system?
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Do you want to be part of your teen's learning journey in a meaningful way?
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If this resonates, you're going to love what we do here.
WITHIN 6 MONTHS, YOU'LL NOTICE:​​
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Your teen walking taller—that quiet confidence that comes from mastering something beautiful and uniquely theirs
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A new kind of focus and patience showing up in schoolwork and other areas of life
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Your teen playing guitar pieces well enough to perform for friends and family (and actually wanting to!)
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That proud feeling watching them celebrated for exactly who they are as a learner and musician
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A different relationship with challenges—seeing them as opportunities rather than obstacles as we focus on "how to make hard things easy"
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New friendships with like-minded teens who share similar values and goals
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE MOST ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
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The Community. You'll connect with families and teens who share your values and genuinely cheer for each other's success. This isn't just lessons—it's belonging to the Scotia Suzuki family.
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No Pressure, Real Progress. Every teen shines in their own time, at their own pace. You'll only perform music you've already mastered for months, sharing your personal expression where confidence grows naturally.
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Teachers Who Actually Get Teens. You'll have specially trained Suzuki educators who understand how teens learn—not just performers teaching on the side. They invest extra time and resources in continued specialized training for working effectively with your age group.
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Individual Attention That Matters. Each teen grows at their own pace—meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're naturally focused, creatively scattered, or somewhere in between.
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It's Simple and Convenient. We handle the details so you can focus on the growth and joy.
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Watching Your Teen Transform—week by week, song by song, into a more confident, expressive version of themselves with multiple performance opportunities every year that make their confidence grow and sharing music feel natural.
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
If after 6 weeks you don't see that spark of engagement and growing confidence—we'll refund your remaining balance, no questions asked.
Because this should feel right for your family.
YOUR COMPLETE TEEN GUITAR EXPERIENCE
​CONFIDENCE & PERFORMANCE MASTERY
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Multiple solo opportunities each year — bi-weekly Friday concerts for inspiration and regular performance opportunities.
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Individual soloist concerts — up to 4+ personal celebrations with your own audience by graduation.
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Group performances throughout the year with diverse musical collaborations.
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Public speaking development through poem recitation before lessons and concerts.
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Master classes with senior students for inspiration and advanced goal-setting
SCOTIA SUZUKI COMMUNITY CONNECTION​​​
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Join a welcoming, supportive community that celebrates growth at every level
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Connect with other teens and families through school-wide events
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Parent support resources and guidance
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Four large community concerts with unique cross-program collaborations
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Lifelong friendships formed through music-making
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Youth leadership program with mentorship opportunities
LEARNING TRANSFORMATION​​
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Permanent easier learning by developing ear-first musical skills.
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Learn at your own pace through personalized Suzuki method progression.
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All guitar students also learn to hear guitar chord progressions and play by ear — a unique skill that sets our program apart.
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Theory classes included to accelerate learning and understanding when ready to join.
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Multiple teaching perspectives from our collaborative team of educators.
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Age-appropriate approach designed specifically for teen development
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CHARACTER & LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT​​
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Daily practice celebration through school-wide challenges
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Recognition for hard work and milestone achievements
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Non-competitive environment focused on joy and collaboration
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Exposure to different teaching styles for open-minded learning
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Skills that transfer directly to academic and professional success
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​CONVENIENCE & PEACE OF MIND
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Simple, easy, convenient — everything handled for you
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37 convenient parking spots behind our building
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Simple enrollment with flexible class scheduling
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Practice Binder system for organized lesson notes and practice activities
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Easy monthly billing that makes budgeting simple
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Priority registration for returning families each spring
EXCEPTIONAL TEACHING QUALITY​​
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Teachers trained in how teens learn, not just talented performers teaching ‘on the side’.
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Ongoing professional development focused on teen-specific teaching techniques.
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Individual attention that honors your unique learning style and personality.
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Personalized approach that adapts to your goals and pace
THE EXCITING ROAD AHEAD
Here's what makes this even more special—this is just the beginning of your musical story.
Once you become proficient at playing guitar solos and reading notes, you can take on an assistant role in our group classes and learn to accompany other instruments in the school—a wonderful experience we offer that's unique to other programs in the city. You'll leave our school with valuable accompanying experience that opens doors everywhere music is made.
Unique Accompanying Training: We offer classes specifically in self-accompanying and accompanying by ear—learning to hear a melody and improvise an accompaniment line to it. This means you can accompany yourself while singing, or provide beautiful accompaniment for friends and family members playing melody instruments with a simple chord chart or by ear. This skill is incredibly valuable and something you won't find at other music programs in Halifax. This special skill also makes composing more accessible to you, which you will have workshops on as well down the road!
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Career Possibilities: We have students who've earned scholarships to Dalhousie and even gone on to Juilliard and Berklee. Our students have won the Rose Bowl at Kiwanis Music Festival, competed in the Canadian Music Competition, received Talent Trust funding, and each year win multiple RCM Gold medals. They also develop skills in learning to accompany by ear and playing at events like the Maritime Fiddle Festival.
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Leadership Opportunities: Join the Nova Scotia Youth Ambassadors or form contemporary or classical ensembles with other instrumentalists and singers at our school.
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High School Credit Program: Eventually earn a Grade 12 High school credit while continuing your musical journey, or participate in our youth leadership program, gaining experience in business, work skills, and teaching.
So many beautiful paths ahead at Scotia Suzuki!
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
Your Schedule:
One private lesson each week (starting at 30 minutes)—just you and your teacher, building skills at exactly your pace. Focus on beautiful tone, musical expression, and technical development tailored to your goals.
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Group classes—where community connection happens:
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Once a month on Saturdays 1:15-1:45pm with ensemble skills and musical collaboration
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Accompanying and chording by ear — learning to hear and accompany melody lines without music.
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Theory classes when ready.
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Performance preparation in a supportive environment
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Connection with other guitar families in the Scotia Suzuki community
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Everything's Included
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✓ All lessons and group classes
✓ Soloist book concerts to celebrate the completion of each book
✓ Multiple performance opportunities and first concert Case Tag Award.
✓ Your own Scotia Suzuki School Practice and Note Binder
✓ Parent guidance every step of the way
SIMPLE INVESTMENT:
Teen Guitar Program: starting at $200.80/month (includes your starting monthly group classes)
Pay in easy 10 monthly installments—consistent on your budget, simple to say yes.
$40 registration fee
What's Included: 36 private lessons PLUS 10 group classes and events throughout the year. Multiple performance opportunities. Theory classes included when ready. Everything you need to succeed.
GETTING STARTED IS EASY!
Location: 6141 Chebucto Road with 37 parking spots right behind the building
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Scheduling: We'll find a weekly lesson time that works for both your family and your teacher, or put you on a wait list until we can find one.
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Next step: Click HERE and let's chat about which program feels right for your child
"Going from student to teacher at SSSM showed me the incredible progression possible here. Christy's patient guidance created an environment where I could grow not just as a musician, but as an educator. The supportive community and positive culture have shaped how I want to lead and teach violin."​
— Lydia Lee, Former Student & now Suzuki Teacher in Calgary
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
"Is my teen too old to start guitar?" Not at all! Teens actually have advantages—better focus, understanding of practice, and motivation. Many of our most successful students started as teens. We'll meet you exactly where you are.
"Will this interfere with academics and other commitments?" Music actually enhances academic performance! One weekly lesson plus starting at one Saturday class per month. We keep practice efficient and age-appropriate. Many of our teens find guitar helps them manage stress and stay focused. Because we learn by ear as a base it helps develop their memory which is an incredible skill that supports them in their academics.
"What if my teen loses interest?" That's why we offer our six-week guarantee. Plus, we have many approaches to keep teens engaged—performance opportunities, leadership roles, theory classes, accompanying training, and connection with other motivated teens.
"Is it really worth the investment for a teen?" You're receiving 36 private lessons plus 10 group events plus theory classes—that's 46+ total learning experiences, plus performance opportunities and community events. This comprehensive approach builds skills for life, not just music.
"Will my teen really develop strong guitar skills starting now?" Absolutely! Within 6 months, your teen will have a solid foundation and know some songs. Within a year, they'll have beautiful tone and solid skills. Teens often progress faster than younger students due to maturity and focus.
"What about flexibility for busy teen schedules?" We understand teen life is complex! Our "pay it forward" program allows swapping with other families when needed or donating to families in need. We work with families to ensure you get full value from your investment.
READY TO BEGIN?
Your teen is ready. Your family is ready.
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Here's what you're getting:
✓ 36 individual private lessons with exceptional teachers
✓ 10 group classes and community events
✓ Theory classes included for accelerated learning when ready
✓ Multiple performance opportunities to build confidence
✓ Unique accompanying by ear training
✓ Youth leadership program opportunities when ready
✓ Scotia Suzuki Practice Binder system
✓ Supportive Scotia Suzuki community
✓ Convenient parking - 37 spaces!
✓ Easy monthly billing
✓ Our confidence-building guarantee
PS:
Still have questions? Reach out—we'd love to chat about how this beautiful musical journey can unfold for your unique teen and family.
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