• The only long-term teacher training program in the state of Wisconsin, and one of only a few in the country.
• Graduate and undergraduate degrees available with an emphasis on Suzuki pedagogy.
• ASC partners with the UWSP Department of Music.
• Every Child Can! Course, the required first course for becoming a registered Suzuki teacher, is available for players of all instruments.
• In the course of two years, violinists can study Books 1-8 of the Suzuki violin repertoire and become registered as Suzuki teachers for those books.
• In addition to studying the repertoire, students observe lessons for any of the 270+ students and 13 teachers that are part of the Aber Suzuki Center.
• Students range from pre-twinkle to Book 10 level and play violin, viola, cello, piano, harp, flute, guitar, or voice.
• All ASC faculty hold advanced degrees in their instrument. They registered Suzuki teachers and have a combined total of 150+ years of Suzuki teaching experience.
• First year teacher training students have the opportunity to be a practice assistant for one or more Suzuki students. This provides the opportunity to gain insight into a child's thinking, try out games and ideas in a low pressure environment, and experience the parent's role.
• Second year teacher training students start a new Suzuki student from the beginning, present parent orientation, and teach group class all while being supervised by a master teacher.
• ASC resident teacher trainers are Patricia D'Ercole and Mary Hofer.
• As the home of the American Suzuki Institute and International Research Symposium on Talent Education, UWSP is recognized as a mecca of Suzuki around the globe.

• Year-round program for 3-5 Suzuki string teachers.
• Pat D'Ercole is the mentor.
• Program is primarily done in the environment of each teacher's usual employ, using technology to communicate with the mentor and other class participants.
• One weekend trip is required at the beginning of the course to complete the SAA's Suzuki Principles in Action course, learn about the technology, and get to know one another.
• The goal of the program is to assist and support Suzuki string teachers in their quest to become better teachers.
• $1,500 noncredit university tuition includes the cost of registration for the Suzuki Principles in Action course. (Additional course expenses, including travel, are the responsibility of the participant.)

As a mentee, you can expect to...

• Practice the cycle of self-assessment, reflection and planning.
• Precisely articulate a vision of the student as an accomplished musician.
• Distinguish between effective and ineffective teaching strategies.
• Construct effective teaching segments.
• Demonstrate effective use of Suzuki principles in your teaching.
• Set goals for self-improvement using the SAA descriptors.
• Receive SAA registration for Long-term Practicum.

Requirements:

• Current Suzuki string teacher (violin, viola, cello, bass) and current member of the SAA.
• Book 1 teacher training.
• One year of Suzuki teaching experience.
• Employed and/or self-employed as a Suzuki teacher at least half-time.
• Music degree or a minor in music, or the equivalent in experience.
• Comfortable with technology.

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