I think you should talk to the orchestra teacher right now. I bet the orchestra teacher would love to talk to you - they're always trying to increase access to the orchestra and it is good to know there are kids in the pipeline. He or she will be able to guide you on all your questions and may even be able to give you some ideas about what your child should be doing now in continuing studies.

For Suzuki method it really depend on teachers, our 2 Suzuki teachers not from school system both have once a month group lesson and every students prepare a polished piece to perform, they also teach music theory, note reading and sight reading at some point at book 1. Both DCs ranging from book 3 ~ book 6 can sight read and memorize 15 pieces (one did entire book 2 while the other did 15 Buch pieces) for book graduation and guild, and other students can do the same. So it really depends on teachers.

Anonymous wrote:Kids who have only done Suzuki method lessons often struggle with reading music, playing on a set tempo, and playing with a group. They're basically trained to be soloists. It's very good for them to learn to play as a member of an orchestra.

That’s weird since Suzuki method (if taken at a music school) includes an optional group lesson to learn how to play together. Also note reading is introduced towards end up book one to prep for reading in book 2. The noting reading book our teacher uses has lessons on pitch and rhythm.

Anonymous wrote:I would actually expect that the kids that join your school orchestra are experienced players like him. Our ES all the kids have been playing awhile no one gets in the orchestra just by picking up the instrument for the first time. All can read music. Have you tried talking to the teacher? Ask them what the experience level is for most kids. Tell her your kids experience and ask if they think it would be a good fit.

For the elementary school orchestra? In our school not one kid had prior experience playing a stringed instrument. All complete beginners.

Kids who have only done Suzuki method lessons often struggle with reading music, playing on a set tempo, and playing with a group. They're basically trained to be soloists. It's very good for them to learn to play as a member of an orchestra.