Latest Additions and News
Conference Schedule Now Online
The tentative conference schedule is available online. You will receive the final schedule in your conference program booklet when you check in at the conference.
Suzuki in the Schools Teacher Training Program Up and Running
SAA-sanctioned Suzuki in the Schools Teacher Training is available again this summer.
Read more of Suzuki in the Schools Teacher Training Program Up and Running »
New Revised International Editions of the Suzuki Violin School
A Message from the SAA Violin Committee
The new revised editions of the Suzuki Violin School Books 1 and 2 are now available for purchase. Book 3 should be in stores very shortly, and Book 4 is already at the publishers for formatting and proofing.
The SAA Violin Committee would like to give all members of the SAA community a report on this process. The following report consists of three sections:
- A history of the book revision process,
- A description of the procedure for the compilation, editing and publication of the revised editions for Books 1-4, and,
- A look forward at the upper volumes in the Suzuki Violin School.
Read more of New Revised International Editions of the Suzuki Violin School »
Sponsor the Latin American Suzuki Ensemble
What do Solomon, Daijah, and Ronda have in common? They were part of the Rainbow Suzuki Strings group from East Cleveland, OH, who were featured at our conference in 2006.
This past week, Solomon wrote that his trip had been important to him because he learned new things. Daijah said she felt more mature and experienced after the trip, and she will take these experiences with her throughout her life. Ronda said she now has more experience as a violinist from playing in front of our audience, and this experience calmed her nerves.
The Rainbow Strings as a whole wrote this when they heard that a Latin American Suzuki group would be coming to the 2008 conference:
In Remembrance: Julian Leviton
Julian Leviton, 89, resident of Albuquerque, died peacefully in his home Tuesday morning. He is survived by his son Lawrence Leviton, of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, daughter, Barbara Leviton of Albuquerque, her husband, Kenneth Hodder, and their son Sam Hodder.
Listen to Mr. Leviton and Dr. Suzuki performing Prelude and Berceuse.
Examples for Establishing Minor Scale Patterns
The music examples from “Establishing Minor Scale Patterns for Long Term Success” by Winifred Crock in American Suzuki Journal 36.2 were inadvertently omitted. Please download this PDF of the article which includes the figures.
For Members Only
The Suzuki Association website now has a members-only section providing services for current SAA members. You can search the online membership directory, which includes email addresses and pictures, and upload your own picture. The video rental library index can be searched as well. You can also view your membership records, including registered training and auditions. If you need to update your address or contact information (or your teacher location listing, if you’ve signed up for that service) you can do that online as well.
To gain access to the members-only section, you will need to create a website account. (There is a link to do this from the log in form of the members section.) You will need either the email address you have on file with the SAA or your member number and zip/postal code to sign up. This section of the website is provided as a benefit to current members; if your membership has expired you will need to renew before you are able to log in.
Annual Meeting
The SAA Annual Meeting will take place on Friday, May 23, 1 PM in the Hilton Minneapolis Ballroom. The meeting will be combined with Conference announcements and welcoming of our sponsors and special guests.
Board Election Ballot
Current Active level members, please note that your 2008 Board Election Ballot is enclosed with the 2008 Winter issue of the Journal. Final postmark date for your vote to be counted is April 15, 2008. Please read the information carefully and cast your vote for two candidates from this great slate of qualified nominees!
Winter ASJ (36.2)
The Winter 2008 American Suzuki Journal is now being mailed to current SAA members. Look for it in your mail soon!
In this issue…
- Interview with Ben Verdery
- SAA 13th Conference in Minneapolis
- 2008 Summer Institute Listings
Bass Committee News
The Bass Committee has been meeting twice yearly to develop the repertoire of the Suzuki Bass School. After working for several years, the committee is beginning to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. At the retreat in Bloomingdale, Illinois, this past January, it was determined that the Suzuki Bass School would be finalized with the publication of Koussevitzky’s Concerto in F# minor in Book 8. Books 1 through 4 are now published, Book 5 will soon be in print, and Books 6 through 8 are awaiting various degrees of finishing touches. The committee is proud to announce that Books 1, 2, and 3 have been recorded by the legendary virtuosi Gary Karr and Harmon Lewis. The collection of repertoire has been selected, researched, and edited with a spirit of loving dedication. It is the hope of the Bass Committee that the collection of eight books and the recordings will be completed by the year 2010.
Double bass teacher training is growing now that there are two teacher trainers. The committee is pleased to note that Virginia Dixon has taught Books 1, 2, and 3 during each of the last two summers. We appeal to all bass trainees to join us at the SAA Conference in Minneapolis. In addition to the sessions featuring Diana Gannett, our esteemed conference clinician, it is hoped that other bass sessions will also appeal to non-bassists. There will be a conference bass choir featuring students and teachers which will be beautiful and fun as well. In an effort to promote camaraderie, there will be a no-host evening meal for all bassists and for friends of the bass.
The members of the Bass Committee include Virginia Dixon, Michael Fanelli, Domenick Fiore, Eugene Rebeck, Paul Sharpe, and Dan Swaim, Chair.
News from the Piano Committee
The editing and translation of the new revisions of the Suzuki Piano Books 1,2, and 3 is drawing to a close. Many thanks to Mary Craig Powell, Co-Chair of the International Piano Committee, for the tremendous amount of volunteer work that she has put into the coordination of this project! The new recordings will be made by Seizo Azuma. Alfred Publishing expects to have the new books and recordings available by our May Conference.
Pre-Conference Events
Several pre-Conference events will be offered at the May Conference:
Every Child Can!
Wednesday, May 21, 7-10 pm and Thursday, May 22, 8-11 am
Early Childhood Education, Stage 1
Stage 1 establishes the format and weekly or daily plan for teaching in the Suzuki style.
9th International Research Symposium on Talent Education
Co-sponsored with the American Suzuki Institute, May 22, 3 pm to May 23, 11:30 am
(Limited on-site registration for keynote only by Dr. Laurel Trainor, 11 am, Thursday, May 23: “What research can tell us about how children learn music”)
Parents as Partners
Friday, May 23, 10 am to 2 pm
Pre-registration is required. Register for the these and other Conference events now to reserve your spot.
Conference Registration
Registration for the Conference is now open. Early registration prices are available through March 31. College students and guests at the Hilton receive a discount. Payments completed online will be discounted 5%. Please see the main conference page for registration pricing.
MusicLink Foundation Partners with SAA
The MusicLink Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides long-term instruction and opportunities to promising children in financial need. Nominated students who meet MusicLink’s criteria are linked with professional music teachers who provide partial to full scholarship lessons for the child. SAA Teachers and programs can become involved in several ways—through nominating students or through volunteering to teach a student in need. Read more of MusicLink Foundation Partners with SAA »
Summer Institutes 2008
The 2008 Summer Institute listings are now up on the web. Further program information will be published in the Winter ASJ in February. Many institutes have early registration deadlines, so start making your summer plans soon!
Dues
Each fall we must assess our membership dues levels. We always try to make as few increases and changes as possible, as it is important that all Suzuki teachers and interested families be able to be members. This year we are leveling out the US and Canadian dollar amounts, based upon current dollar values. Active dues for everyone will be $65, payable in US or Canadian dollars. Rates go into effect January 1, 2008.
See News archives for more. Feed for SAA news.
