About
The Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles (SMPLA) offers private lessons and group lessons for string students, including violin, viola, and guitar. Students take part in group lessons called “Workshop,” Play-Ins, Graduation events, and public performances such as mall performances, rest home performances, and occasional trips to perform at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.
• Schedule: Suzuki students have group lessons called “Workshop” twice a month in the Tarzana/Encino area.
The Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles (SMPLA) is an association of teachers who have been trained in the Suzuki Method™ and philosophy on violin, viola, and guitar. The program was started in 1974 by the late Idell Low and the late Elizabeth Mills and is now headed by Co-Directors Robin Johnson, Melodie Tunick-Zide, and Molly White. Its stated purpose includes teaching violin and other string instruments to children using the Suzuki Method™ and training teachers to use the Suzuki Method™ ideas and philosophy. The program states that music enhances a child's character by developing musicality, motor skills, self-confidence, and happiness. SMPLA has an open door policy in which any string instrument student may join regardless of which teacher they are studying with privately. SMPLA is an approved vendor for ilead, Blue Ridge Academy, and Gorman Learning Center. The program’s mission statement says that it provides a positive environment where children find joy in making music together, are eager to learn and motivated to practice, and reach a high level of competence in the Suzuki repertoire and in other musical genres.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
• Schedule: Suzuki students have group lessons called “Workshop” twice a month in the Tarzana/Encino area.
The Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles (SMPLA) is an association of teachers who have been trained in the Suzuki Method™ and philosophy on violin, viola, and guitar. The program was started in 1974 by the late Idell Low and the late Elizabeth Mills and is now headed by Co-Directors Robin Johnson, Melodie Tunick-Zide, and Molly White. Its stated purpose includes teaching violin and other string instruments to children using the Suzuki Method™ and training teachers to use the Suzuki Method™ ideas and philosophy. The program states that music enhances a child's character by developing musicality, motor skills, self-confidence, and happiness. SMPLA has an open door policy in which any string instrument student may join regardless of which teacher they are studying with privately. SMPLA is an approved vendor for ilead, Blue Ridge Academy, and Gorman Learning Center. The program’s mission statement says that it provides a positive environment where children find joy in making music together, are eager to learn and motivated to practice, and reach a high level of competence in the Suzuki repertoire and in other musical genres.
Last updated July 5, 2026.
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