Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music
A Program of Eastern Mennonite University
The Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music became a program of EMU’s department of music in 1988 and is dedicated to providing the highest quality music education to all students in the central Shenandoah Valley regardless of age, ability, race, gender, financial circumstances, or ethnic origin through private and/or group instruction in a variety of musical areas as well as through performance settings. Under the direction of program director Kimberly W. Souther, musical instruction is given to over 500 students in the following areas:
- Instrumental music instruction: violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, mandolin, winds, brass, percussion, and music theory; Suzuki method violin, viola, cello, and piano.
- Pre-School Music Instruction: ages infant to 5 years.
- Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra grades 6-12
- Jr. Strings: grades 2-6
- Harrisonburg City School After-School Violin Program: grades 3-5
For more information on any program contact prepmusic@emu.edu.
Registration Information - Spring 2023
Instrumental Lessons
Register now for Spring 2023 instrumental lessons. Lessons will begin the week of January 16 and will run for 15 weeks.
Instrumental Lessons (15 weeks)
| 30 min. | 45 min. | 60 min. | |
| Intern | $270 | $405 | $540 |
| Instructor | $345 | $517.50 | $690 |
| Faculty | $420 | $630 | $840 |
Suzuki Strings (15 weeks) – Weekly private lessons and 7 group lessons per semester
| 30 min. | 45 min. | 60 min. | |
| Intern | $334 | $469 | $604 |
| Instructor | $409 | $581.50 | $754 |
| Faculty | $484 | $694 | $904 |
Online registration for instrumental lessons
Mail in registration for instrumental lessons
Spring 2023 Program Policies
Pre-Twinkle
The pre-twinkle class prepares children with the very basic skills needed to begin violin studies. Classes are designed for students age 3-5. A large emphasis is placed on listening, posture, instrument/bow hold, ear training and focus. Times and days are arranged after registration.
For more information on private lesson openings, instructors, and pre-twinkle classes contact Erin Weldon at erin.weldon@emu.edu or 540-432-4277. Late registrations are accepted on a space-available basis.
Online registration for Pre-twinkle classes
Mail in registration for Pre-twinkle classes
Spring 2023 Preparatory Music Calendar
Our students and performances
Believing music can enrich everyone’s life and is to be shared, performances are arranged in formal and informal settings on EMU’s campus and throughout the community to provide quality music education to the residents of the greater central Shenandoah Valley area. Participants come from as far north and east as Woodstock and Luray and from as far south as Waynesboro and Lexington. Students also travel from West Virginia.
DONATE to Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music
Donations help students purchase lessons, music, instrument rental, and ensemble fees. Make a tax-deductible donation online, or send your donation (made out to EMU, with 'scholarship donation' in the memo) to the SVPM Office (EMU Prep Music, 1200 Park Rd, Harrisonburg VA 22802).
Contact us
Interested in learning more about music lessons at EMU? Contact the SVPM Office at 540-432-4277 or prepmusic@emu.edu. We’d love to hear from you!
SVPM is located on the campus of Eastern Mennonite University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Erin Weldon's (manager) office is now located in the same office space as the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir at 1111 College Ave. This is located right beside the Annex . On the main floor of Lehman you’ll find a mainstage auditorium that houses performances, weekly chapel, university events, and more. On the lower level you’ll find the music program offices (through the glass double doors), faculty offices, a recital hall, individual practice rooms, and more.
Important Information
Please Note: Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music (SVPM) is following guidelines set by EMU regarding Covid-19 adaptations.
Inclement Weather: In cases of inclement weather, cancellation of private lessons and classes is left up to the individual teacher and families. If you do not receive cancellation notice from your teacher, assume that your lesson is still on. Please contact your teacher if you cannot attend because of bad weather.
