More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music and called his method the Mother-Tongue Approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.

Instructor Virginia Sloan, a violinist and native Atlantan, considers herself a specialist in Early Childhood Suzuki Method. While using other styles and methods as well, she incorporates a wealth of performing experience training and her love for children into her approach. Though she teaches all levels, she has found her niche with younger children. In 1991 Virginia founded and directed Atlanta Suzuki Violin in Buckhead and she continues to offer lessons at Second-Ponce.

The mission of Collective Learning Academy (CLA) is to maximize the potential of each student, meeting them at their current academic and functional level and moving them forward. We work to instill confidence and competence in each of our students, building a foundation for success and independence. CLA removes obstacles to learning. Once barriers are gone, they teach both academic and functional skills in their smallest components through research-based strategies that cultivate success at every step.