"If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart."

- Shin'ichi Suzuki, creator of the Suzuki method

Those words and a love for music have created a tradition of educating Bismarck's youth on the art of making music at the Suzuki School of Music.

"To nurture that (love for music) and foster that ability just creates these wonderful little people," said the school's president, Cheryl Liebler.

The music school offers classes all year round to all level and age groups. Each student has weekly private and group classes.

During the summer, students learning to play string music also have the opportunity to attend the Suzuki Institute Aug. 10-13.

"It is a chance for them to be with kids that are doing what they are doing," said the music school's director, Susan Neumann. "You don't feel out of place. You feel like you belong."

For three and a half days, students are scheduled for a semi-private lesson, a group class, a theory class and the choice of two enrichment classes with experienced Suzuki method teachers and musicians.

Art, Irish fiddle, orchestra, theater, science, bells, improvisation and choir are offered as enrichment classes. "We have tried to plan things that they will enjoy," Neumann said.

On Aug. 11, 12 and 13 at 1:30 p.m., student recitals will be held. These performances are opportunities for students who have previously auditioned to play and showcase their skill for other students.

"You just get a lot of music, and to see what other kids do with their instruments," Liebler said.

They also may attend and perform in evening concerts at 7 p.m.; on Aug. 10 there will be a play-in, where the most experienced student begins by playing higher-level Suzuki music and with every song more students join in until the entire group is playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." A string quartet will perform on Aug. 11, and a jam session with different performers will be held on Aug. 12.

The camp ends on Aug. 13 with a performance to showcase the students' progress.

All evening concerts are free and open to the public.

The music camp will be held on the Bismarck State Campus with dorm rooms available for out-of-town students.

"They (BSC) have been wonderful putting together the program," Liebler said.

While the Suzuki School of Music is a nonprofit organization, they do charge for the camp and all their classes. "This is the teacher's income," Neumann said.

Registration typically costs $250, but varies for early childhood education classes, sibling enrichment and for students only taking a few classes. For more information and registration, call 224-5600 or toll-free 877-846-9387, or online at www.bismarckstate.edu/ceti. Registration is due by July 30, but the institute may still accept students depending on availability after that date.

(Reach reporter Kay Kemmet at 250-8260 or kay.kemmet@bismarcktribune.com.)