Highlight Tonhalle Experience
A fantastic SwissMusiKids concert in the Tonhalle conducted by Kevin Griffiths - read in!
«Music is the language of the heart»
Playing the violin is easy: The right learning method is the key to success!
At SwissMusiKids, children learn with the Mother Tongue Method or Suzuki Method, which is taught successfully all over the world.
As they learn to speak, they learn their instrument by listening, imitating and repeating. Musical talent is not an innate talent, but a skill that can be developed.
Every child can learn!
Our highly qualified teachers enable every child through loving guidance, playful learning and involvement of parents the joy of music, great experiences and deep friendships. Due to rapid learning progress, children can achieve a high level of violin playing at a young age!
With the Suzuki method, parents can dive into the world of music together with the child and give their child the opportunity to expressing feelings and emotions through music.
A great gift that will last a lifetime!
We stick to this at SwissMusiKids: Learning for life with music!
At SwissMusiKids, children learn with the Mother Tongue Method or Suzuki Method, which is taught successfully all over the world.
As they learn to speak, they learn their instrument by listening, imitating and repeating. Musical talent is not an innate talent, but a skill that can be developed.
Every child can learn!
Our highly qualified teachers enable every child through loving guidance, playful learning and involvement of parents the joy of music, great experiences and deep friendships. Due to rapid learning progress, children can achieve a high level of violin playing at a young age!
With the Suzuki method, parents can dive into the world of music together with the child and give their child the opportunity to expressing feelings and emotions through music.
A great gift that will last a lifetime!
We stick to this at SwissMusiKids: Learning for life with music!
Suzuki method
About the method
“Where love is great, much can be accomplished”
In the 1940s, the Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki developed a method that is based on the same principles as learning a mother tongue: Just as the child learns to speak through the sound of their mother tongue, they learn their instrument. Lessons start from the age of 3!
Through their loving affection and encouragement, teachers and parents create an atmosphere that gives the child self-confidence and joy.
By learning an instrument using the mother tongue method, a child develops sensitivity, empathy, discipline and endurance — so-called soft skills, which are more important today than ever.
What is special about the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method is a philosophy whose main goal is to nurture children into happy and compassionate human beings through learning an instrument in a positive, motivating, and loving environment.
Through the supportive setting, the social atmosphere within a Suzuki class, and the close collaboration between parents and teachers, music becomes an integral part of the child’s life.
The Suzuki Method does not aim to train professional musicians, but rather to use music as a means of supporting the child’s overall personal development.
This philosophy, along with the intensive involvement of parents, is the main difference from traditional methods, which focus solely on instrumental training.
Are the children learning to read notes?
Young children of three or four years old initially learn the instrument without reading music, but rather by ear—just as they first understand and speak their mother tongue before later learning to read and write.
A central part of Suzuki instruction is the daily listening to the pieces that the child will learn.
Joy in learning and in music always takes priority!
Around the time they start school, children then begin to read music, allowing them to acquire this skill in a playful and natural way.
At what age are children taught at SwissMusiKids?
Babies and toddlers from 0 to 4 years old can already attend the MusiGruppe—a gentle and loving introduction to the world of music and the best preparation for learning an instrument!
Instrumental lessons ideally begin between the ages of 3 and 5 and can be continued at SwissMusiKids up to the age of 20.
Why does my child also benefit from Suzuki lessons at school?
In a playful yet focused way, memory, concentration, learning techniques, and the ability to absorb information are developed.
The techniques used to learn an instrument, as well as the experience that any difficulty can be overcome, transfer to learning school subjects.
For these reasons, the method is also called “talent education.”
The concrete guidance on how to learn with joy while remaining efficient has a profound impact on the child throughout their academic journey.
Tuition and costs
What we offer
“When parents and children have fun together, unlimited abilities can develop.”
Violin lessons
Lessons take place twice a week:
in small groups of three children, where we explore the violin together, learn new pieces, refine techniques, and enjoy music in an intimate setting.
In addition, each child attends a large group session, where we reinforce the repertoire through games and fun, learn music theory, practice for performances, and build friendships—with like-minded peers and a great sense of humor!
The language of instruction is German; English, French, and Russian are also available.
Unique to SwissMusiKids: additional group lessons and theory classes can be attended at no extra cost and without limit!
Are preschoolers mature enough to learn such a difficult instrument?
At the age of 3 to 4, children are physically and coordinatively ready for the violin. At preschool age, a child’s brain is in an extremely receptive and flexible state. With early instruction, the child learns to handle the violin naturally and can begin to experience and create music using very simple means.
Isn't a preschooler too young for daily practice?
It’s true: daily practice is essential!
Children will enjoy it—the activities include many games, singing, listening to music, coloring, looking at books, and playful exercises with the violin. To prevent practice from becoming a daily struggle later on—one that could diminish the joy of music—it is very helpful if children become accustomed early on to playing the violin as a natural part of their daily routine.
An unlimited range of abilities can develop when parents and children have fun together!
Don't I commit my child to an instrument too early?
A child’s brain is only able, from around the age of 8, to identify acoustic preferences—that is, to choose an instrument based on personal taste. For this reason, we encourage students at that age to explore other instruments and, if appropriate, to switch.The time spent playing the violin is by no means lost—on the contrary: the child has already learned what truly matters—how to practice, how to enjoy playing, and how to listen. As a result, they make very rapid progress on a new instrument and can build directly on what they have already learned.
I don't play an instrument myself / I am not musical / I don't feel able to support my child musically!
You will be guided step by step by our experienced teachers on how to practice with your child. You will learn together, and we will support you promptly and with plenty of creative ideas!
What are the benefits of playing the violin for me and my child?
Playing the violin fosters empathy, concentration, intelligence, musicality, and your child’s ability to learn, while also enabling them to express their emotions through music.
They play with other children in groups and later in orchestras, build a wide social network, form long-lasting friendships, and experience appreciation, connection, and deep bonds through the close relationship with their teacher.
Through clear guidance on how to learn the violin together with your child, your relationship with your child is strengthened. You will also gain techniques, tools, and practical tips that make everyday parenting easier!
MusiGruppe
The MusiGruppe is a lovingly designed music class for children aged 0 to 4—together with their parents or caregivers.
The course includes a variety of nursery rhymes and children’s songs, playing simple and beautiful percussion instruments, listening to music, story time, as well as other musical activities.
The curriculum is specifically designed to support musical, motor, cognitive, and social development.
The MusiGruppe takes place at the following times:
- Monday, 3:00–3:45 PM
- Tuesday, 3:15–4:00 PM
- Wednesday, 10:00–10:45 AM
Academy
The SwissMusiAcademy — music that connects hearts
The SwissMusiAcademy is the flagship format of SwissMusiKids, inviting participants to unique and inspiring projects.
The Academy projects offer not only masterclasses with outstanding teachers from around the world, but also unforgettable stage experiences in iconic venues and the opportunity to continuously develop one’s skills.
All programs are generally open to anyone who is interested!
Become part of our tradition:
Where talents grow and music touches hearts!
Workshop
For many years, the SwissMusiKids-Workshop has brought together some of the finest teachers from around the world. With passion, experience, and musical excellence, they teach children using the Suzuki Method, foster musical abilities at the highest level, and inspire a lasting joy for music and learning.
Music teachers also benefit from this unique exchange, gaining new inspiration, pedagogical insights, and valuable professional development opportunities.
Tonhalle Experience
Play with the professionals – in the legendary Tonhalle Zürich!
An unforgettable concert experience for Suzuki students, performing together with the professional Empyrean Orchestra under the direction of renowned conductor Kevin Griffiths.
An exclusive project by SwissMusiKids.
Graduation
Infos und AnmeldungThe graduation at SwissMusiKids follows the proven Suzuki tradition: children submit a recording of their playing and receive personalized written feedback as well as an official certificate. The graduation is designed as an encouraging milestone that makes musical growth visible and strengthens the joy of continued learning.
Learn more
Prices & regulations
Prices
Violin lessons
School fees per month: 180 CHF
including small group, unlimited number of large groups, theory course, concerts, etc.
MusiGruppe
MusiGruppe for 0 to 4 year olds
Per semester: 430 CHF
Siblings: 80 CHF per semester
Theory course
For external Participants: CHF 24 per lesson (bookable per semester)
Our foundation supports families who need financial assistance. SwissMusiKids is open to all families who wish to learn according to the Suzuki Method!
You can find details in the regulations.
If several siblings from the same household (up to the age of 20) attend lessons at SwissMusiKids, the tuition fees are reduced as follows:
2nd child: 25%
3rd child: 50%
4th child: 75%
Regulations
You can find more information here:
SwissMusiKids regulations
How we interact with each other:
Code of Conduct
Lesson location
Haus der Musik
Dolderstrasse 71
8032 Zürich
Enrollment is also possible during the semester!
About us
The people behind SwissMusiKids
The SwissMusiKids music school is a joint-stock company, which is supported by the Foundation SwissMusiKids - Learning for life stands.
News & timetable
Coming
The agenda
06.06.2026
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SwissMusiKids Day
SwissMusiKids Day has been a highlight for Suzuki students in Switzerland for many years!
From 11 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., everything revolves around music: mini master classes, sound studio, games, parents' get-together on the theme Practice without frustration, theory with speed! , big gala concert, and much more... Be a part of it!
News
