Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Violin Education for Young Musicians
Academy of Strings has dedicated over 30 years to nurturing young musicians through the Suzuki Method of Talent Education. Founded in 1991 by Tim and Kim Barrett, our program emphasizes holistic development, combining musical instruction with character-building values like discipline, respect, and self-confidence. Our faculty, trained directly under Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, delivers personalized instruction through weekly individual and group lessons, fostering a collaborative environment where students ages 4-18 thrive. We prioritize family involvement, requiring parent participation in lessons to support daily practice and growth. Our curriculum spans from foundational techniques to advanced classical repertoire, culminating in multiple performance opportunities each semester.As a non-discriminatory institution, we create inclusive spaces for artistic expression while maintaining partnerships with local schools and community organizations. Our graduates demonstrate not only musical proficiency but enhanced cognitive abilities that benefit all academic pursuits. With two locations in Johnson City, TN, we serve over 80 students annually through an 18-week semester structure aligned with local school calendars. Recognized with Outstanding Teacher Awards and the Forty Under Forty distinction, our directors continue advancing Dr. Suzuki's vision of music as a tool for human development. Our community concerts, including the annual Bach in the Barn and Suzukifest events, showcase student achievements while strengthening regional cultural ties.
Services
Individual Violin Lessons
Group Violin Lessons
Suzuki Method Instruction
Community Concerts
Music Curriculum Development
Parent Education Workshops
Performance Coaching
Violin Technique Training
Musical Repertoire Expansion
Youth Music Enrichment
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of Suzuki Method expertise with faculty trained directly by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
- Our family-friendly approach requires parent participation for optimal student development
- We provide 18-week structured semesters aligned with Johnson City Schools' calendar
- Our graduates demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities benefiting all academic pursuits
- We host community concerts including Bach in the Barn and annual holiday performances
What people say
Dedicated to teaching
Best teachers
Enrich children's lives
Excellent program
Lifelong love of music
Services
Individual Violin Lessons
Personalized one-on-one violin instruction tailored to each student's learning pace and style. Parents attend lessons to support daily practice routines at home. This approach ensures technical mastery while developing musical expression and confidence.
Group Violin Lessons
Collaborative sessions where students learn teamwork through musical performance. Peer interaction fosters motivation and social skills while reinforcing technical proficiency in a supportive community environment.
Suzuki Method Instruction
Research-based curriculum emphasizing early childhood development through music. Our program builds discipline, focus, and cognitive abilities using Dr. Suzuki's proven methodology for holistic student growth.
Community Concerts
Regular performance opportunities at local venues including Bach in the Barn and holiday concerts. These events develop stage presence while connecting students with the broader community through shared musical experiences.
Parent Education Workshops
Guidance for parents on supporting musical development at home. Workshops cover effective practice techniques and strategies for creating an optimal learning environment for young musicians.
People
Tim Barrett
Executive & Artistic Director
Violinist and educator with 30+ years of Suzuki Method expertise. Studied directly with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan and holds advanced degrees from Oklahoma City University.
Kim Barrett
Violin Program Director
Master violin educator trained by Dr. Suzuki in Japan. Holds a Master's Degree in Violin Performance and co-develops curriculum with her husband Tim Barrett.
Questions
What is the Suzuki Method of Talent Education?
The Suzuki Method emphasizes early exposure, parental involvement, and holistic development through music. It focuses on building discipline, confidence, and musical ability in young learners.
How are violin lessons structured at Academy of Strings?
We offer weekly individual lessons for personalized instruction and group lessons for collaborative learning, with both student and parent attending all sessions for continuity.
What performance opportunities exist for students?
Students participate in multiple concerts per semester including Bach in the Barn, Suzukifest, and holiday performances with Symphony of the Mountains.
How can my child begin violin lessons?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule an introductory meeting. We accept students ages 4-18 with no prior experience required.
What makes Academy of Strings unique?
Our program combines Suzuki Method expertise with family involvement, creating a supportive environment that develops musical skills and character simultaneously.