A Unique Preparatory Orchestra Experience

Rooted in the Suzuki philosophy, the San Diego Suzuki Chamber Orchestra fosters deep listening, skill mastery, and teamwork in a nurturing, non-competitive setting—helping young musicians grow with confidence, expression, and joy.

This preparatory ensemble serves as a bridge to more advanced orchestral experiences, introducing essential skills like rhythmic precision, ensemble awareness, and musical leadership in an encouraging environment. Through thoughtful progression and guided challenges, students gain the tools, discipline, and expressive depth they need to thrive in more intensive youth orchestras and beyond.

All rehearsals are held at:
Pacific Center
​9955 Pacific Heights Blvd
​San Diego, CA 92121 

Meet Our Conductors

Marguerite Jayasimha

Marguerite Jayasimha brings a rich blend of experience to conducting, having served as assistant conductor of the International Women’s Choir of Singapore and as a middle school orchestra director in her local school district. Her Suzuki training, performance background, and cross-cultural musical influences inform her dynamic, student-centered approach to ensemble leadership.​

Elly Schmidt

Elly Schmidt brings extensive conducting experience to her role, having served as Orchestra Director at Oak Park Music Conservatory and Beginning Strings Director at the Kadima Conservatory. She has also performed in many professional orchestras, chamber groups, and led ensembles as a clinician for youth orchestras and Suzuki institutes across Southern California. Elly enjoys fostering teamwork and using all musical genres to help young musicians develop their musical flexibility and ensemble precision to explore the beautiful give-and-take of musical dialogue.

FangFang Li

FangFang Li brings a wealth of conducting and ensemble leadership experience, currently serving as Orchestra Director at Notre Dame Academy and formerly leading youth ensembles as Artistic Faculty and Ensembles Administrator at the San Diego Youth Symphony. Her background directing pre-college programs at the University of Cincinnati and her work with the Sassmannshaus Tradition and Starling Preparatory String Project reflect her commitment to cultivating young musicians through thoughtful, high-level instruction.​

Pacific Center courtyard

Pacific Center street view

Level Up Your Ensemble Skills

Music Theory
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Sight-Reading Skills

Make Music Friends
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Musical Leadership

Rehearsal Etiquette
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Stage Presence

Ensemble Listening
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Rhythmic Precision

The San Diego Suzuki Chamber Orchestra is open to all string students (violin, viola, cello, bass) ages 9-18, providing an inclusive environment for young musicians at various stages of their musical journey. While students must be studying with a private instructor, their teacher does not have to be a Suzuki-trained educator. This allows for a broad range of musical backgrounds and ensures that all interested students, regardless of their primary teaching method, can experience the joy and growth of ensemble playing.​