UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute

Presented by Flute Pedagogy

At the UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute, current Suzuki flute students and their parents experience a fun and intensive week of flute study side-by-side with teacher trainees. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities are celebrated, respected, and given the opportunity to learn and grow together. We hope you can join us!

Little girl plays flute surrounded by older kids also playing flute

Portrait photo of flute co-director mary bassett shemon holding a flute

Our faculty include Institute Co-Directors Mary Bassett Shemon and Zara Lawler, and Meret Bitticks, author of Working with Young Flutists. The UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute takes place at University of Missouri Kansas City, and is part of the UMKC Summer Flute Institute.

portrait photo of co-director Zara Lawler holding a flute

For students

Join us for an invigorating family musical experience! Each day, Suzuki students will have three to four hours of core instruction including masterclasses, group class, play-ins, and optional other enrichment activities. The Institute culminates in a final performance. Kids make friends with flutists from across the US, and get to be part of a community dedicated to their learning. Parents, likewise, meet and make friends with other parents on the same Suzuki journey. By the end of the week, you will leave with new ideas and energy to last the rest of the year.

When

June 28 to July 3, 2026

Where

University of Missouri-Kansas City, Grant Hall
5228 Charlotte St, Kansas City, MO 64110

Student fee

There is an Early Bird Discount until Friday, April 10th. The Early Bird Tuition is $525. After that tuition is $575 with a registration deadline of June 12th.

Small boy wearing yoda ears playing a toot flute

Student Registration

For teachers

If you are a flutist looking to enliven your teaching and nurture beautiful tone from the beginning, the UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute is a great place to start. Teacher trainees will observe all student activities, participate in group classes, and have 43 hours of intensive training with Teacher Trainer Meret Bitticks. With enrollment limited to 15 teachers, this is an intimate and individualized learning experience. Unique to the UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute, trainees will also have the opportunity to lead group activities with guidance from more experienced teachers. Online sessions before and after the in-person session complete the Unit 1 training. Trainees will go home with tools to enhance their teaching and a cohort of new colleagues.