To help train successful Suzuki teachers, the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) has set up a teacher development program. Teachers interested in studying the Suzuki philosophy, pedagogy and other aspects of the method enroll in courses corresponding to each book. The first course, Every Child Can! (ECC) covers the basic philosophy underlying the Suzuki method and the methods of working with preschool children and their parents. Book 1 continues with a thorough study of the entire repertoire and techniques contained in Book 1 of the Suzuki method. For information on the courses being offered this year, see below.

Every Child Can!© (ECC) is an introduction to Dr. Suzuki's philosophy and its application to Suzuki education.  For parents, teachers, prospective teachers and others, this six-hour course provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the Suzuki approach to teaching and learning. For teachers, ECC serves as the required first course in the Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Development Program. 

Book 1 Teacher Training Courses includes 28 hours of instruction plus 15 hours of observation.  Course participants must take Every Child Can! prior to beginning Book 1, and complete the SAA Audition process (deadline May 28).  You also must be an active SAA member, and be 17 or older, and a high school graduate or equivalent. Prepare for the course by memorizing the Book 1 repertoire and be conversant with the philosophical principles in Nurtured by Love and Every Child Can!  Detailed information on the Audition process may be found on the SAA website (www.suzukiassociation.org). 

Book 2 and above Teacher Training Courses include 15 hours of instruction plus 8 hours of observation.  All course participants are asked to prepare the repertoire to be studied to the point of fluent performance.  Memorization is not required but is recommended.  Participants should read, or re-read, Dr. Suzuki’s Nurtured by Love and Ability Development from Age Zero. 

For all training courses, 100% attendance is mandatory.  All participants will be performing in class.  Strings are expected to provide their own instruments.  No videotaping of classes is allowed. 

The prerequisite for the Group Lesson Supplemental Course is registered training through Book 1. 

Registration deadline:  June 15 for all teacher training course applicants.  After June 15, late fees will apply, however we will accept late registration if space is available.

Course Cancellations:  ASI may cancel teacher training courses if enrollment is insufficient.  Please enroll by June 15 so that we do not cancel a course you would like to take.  If a course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you will be notified by June 28.  If you choose to purchase a non-refundable plane ticket before June 28, ASI will not be liable. 

The American Suzuki Foundation is offering Short-Term Teacher Training Scholarships to honor Dr. Suzuki.  Grants will be applied to your ASI account.  Click here to print an application or email the American Suzuki Institute office to request an application.  Applications are due April 15, 2013. 

Two college credits per unit, undergraduate or graduate, are available through UWSP Continuing Education.  Registering for credits through Continuing Education means substantial savings on tuition for out-of-state teachers (around 50%)!  For details, call or email the ASI Office.  You must notify us by June 15, 2013 if you plan to take teacher training for college credits. 

UWSP offers undergraduate and graduate music degrees with Suzuki emphasis.  Scholarship assistance is available during the academic year for highly qualified candidates.   Please call the ASI Office (715-346-3033) for information.

2013 Course Offerings

Every Child Can!

Every Child Can ......... July 28 (9am-Noon and 2-5pm) ..... Nancy Lokken

String Mentoring Overview

String Mentoring Application

Long Term Teacher Training