How to join us
For consideration for entry in Autumn 2025 and beyond for new beginners age 4-7, please contact Helen directly on info@ourcellocommunity.com. You can request to observe group sessions in SW18, free of charge, with no obligation.
Start with observation of groups, free to attend, no obligation
Families who are considering joining are invited to come along to observe some group sessions in advance of joining us. If you already have some experience of Suzuki group work, you may be able to join more quickly. Teacher observers are also welcome by arrangement. Please complete the relevant observation application form below to arrange this. There is no charge for observation.
Observation is a wonderful way to see the work in action, and to get a flavour of how we work and whether you feel that this is a suitable programme for your family. For prospective new beginners, a full term of observation is encouraged. Observations may be started at any point in advance of applying to start learning. The more observations done, the easier the journey will be with your child once they are ready to start.
Choose your relevant observation form and fill in to apply to come to visit us. Helen will contact you directly after receiving this to arrange observations or joining:
- For families of prospective new beginners also wanting to start individual lessons either with Helen based in SW4 area or with another registered Suzuki teacher. Further detail of Helen’s teaching practice are on www.helenelizabethneilson.com. Here is the list of currently registered BSMA Suzuki teachers.
NEW BEGINNERS application to observe group lessons - For families of cello students already playing the cello with a Suzuki Method teacher (Junior, Intermediate, Advanced groups):
ALREADY PLAYING children: Application to observe or join group lessons - For families of advanced level Grade 6+ students learning in other pathways who are interested in being considered for joining:
ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENTS working at grade 6+ level not learning on a Suzuki pathway: application to observe or join Our Cello Community group programme - For teacher observers:
TEACHER/TRAINEE TEACHER OBSERVATION application
- All families need to be current members of the London Suzuki Group and will be asked for their membership number at the point of joining. This automatically includes membership of the British Suzuki Music Association and allows attendance at wider community events and courses, and parents receive an informative regular magazine.
Full attendance is expected at all 6 group sessions per term. Dates are set in advance of the new academic year. Families are expected to prioritise these dates. Punctual arrival is expected for all sessions to allow time for set up in advance of the lesson. - Contracts: All families attending group will be asked to sign contracts.
- Notice to terminate attendance: A full term’s notice is required to terminate the contract for group lessons. Notice must be given in writing in advance of the first Saturday of term to give notice to end by the end of that term. There is a half term break clause for new families joining us in their first term of joining ONLY to terminate at the end of their first term.
- Parents or carers are fully responsible for their children whilst on site at group lessons, and are expected to be engaged and involved in the lessons.
- Please note that group lessons are only for students already taking individual lessons with a teacher. These are not offered without a student having regular individual lessons. Please check with your teacher that they are happy for you to attend these groups.