Toledo Symphony Suzuki Academy

Early Childhood Education

First Notes

Suzuki Baby Music


The Early Childhood Suzuki Education program is a one-hour interactive class designed for young children ages 0-3 years old and their parents or caregivers to explore music and learning together. Rooted in Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s belief that “Every Child Can Learn,” the program nurtures a deeper parent child relationship through singing, movement, rhythm activities, listening, storytelling, and creative play. 

Parents learn how to become attentive observers and guides in their child's development, while children build a strong foundation for future learning. Through engaging musical experiences, students develop social and emotional awareness, coordination, language and early literacy skills, as well as cognitive and neurological growth in a supportive and joyful environment. 

This program provides an enriching first step into music education while fostering confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

All First Notes: Suzuki Baby Music classes are held at the Toledo Center for Live Arts, Cavanaugh Family Studio, and are led by
Susan Edwards Stephenson.

Father with Daughter during Suzuki lesson

Ages

  • 0-3 Years Old

Dates

  • October 30, 2026 
  • November 13, 2026
  • December 4, 2026

Time

  • 9AM

Location

  • Toledo Center for Live Arts, Cavanaugh Family Studio

Registration

October 30 Registration

November 13 Registration

December 4 Registration

Meet Susan Edwards Stephenson


Hello! I’m Susan Edwards Stephenson. My musical journey on the violin began when I was nine years old. I took private lessons, played in my school orchestra, and the Toledo Youth Orchestra when I was in high school. Then I was off to the University of Toledo and Ohio University and earned, respectively, Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Violin Performance.

Then, the magical day I watched a colleague teach a violin lesson to a five year old, my musical world was changed. That sent me on my Suzuki Violin and Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) “Baby Class” teacher training journeys. I spent nearly 30 years teaching and performing in the Northern Virginia/Washington, DC area. 

I was the director of the Prince William Suzuki Fiddlers that encompassed my private studio, group lessons, and SECE Baby Classes. I ran Suzuki Workshops, chamber music programs with the Center for the Arts in Manassas, VA, and was an adjudicator for local school Solo & Ensemble Festivals. I also enjoyed performing with several of the local orchestras in the area, as well as, various chamber music groups.

Then life brought me back to Toledo, Ohio where I grew up. Since returning, I have also completed the Wee Violin™ curriculum teacher training created by Suzuki Teacher, Crystal Boyack, in Albuquerque, NM. I have now incorporated this curriculum into my teaching of beginners ages 3-9 years. I enjoy performing as a member of the Sylvania Community Orchestra, the Monday Musicale Club, and my church.

I have spent my career working with children (and a few adult students who were always in the mix!) and never tire of observing how they learn and what they are so capable of learning. I understand Dr. Suzuki's "Mother-Tongue Theory" of education and how research has proven it. But, I am still SO fascinated when I see children learn to do a musical activity that seems far above what we, as adults, expect from them.

My own children began in Baby Class and learned to play violin with me. I loved seeing them learn and grow. I would also love to see your child (and you!) learn and grow together as you make music a part of your family’s life. I don't promise that your violin journey here at the Toledo Symphony Suzuki Academy will always be easy. However, I do promise that you will never regret giving your child this opportunity.