Leadership Retreat
Creating the Future Together
SAA retreats provide participants an opportunity to get to know colleagues in unique settings with inspiring sessions, time for sharing, learning and fun.
Meetings times will be set for Teacher Trainers, Institute Directors, Chapter leaders, Conference Team and other groups—however, all Suzuki members are welcome to attend.
Topics include:
- instrumental pedagogy
- violin Book 6 revisions—bring your instrument if possible
- viola book 9
- cross-instrument session on teaching
- professionalism
- future trends in education
- social media and technology
- mentoring
- character development
- developing student independence
- Feldenkrais bodywork
- chapter and institute topics, and much more!
Also, of course, entertainment and opportunities to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. See the Deer Creek website for recreational opportunities, both indoor and outdoor.
More details will be provided soon!
Main Retreat Sessions
Opening Thursday, May 23, at 5:00 PM
Events conclude on Sunday, May 26, at 12 Noon
Retreat registration options also include lodge rooms and meals.
Pre-Retreat Events
Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23
Mozart Violin Concerti: The Challenges and the Rewards
Tom Wermuth and Linda Case, co-instructors
Wednesday, May 22, 4:00-5:30 PM and 7:00-9:30 PM, continuing Thursday, May 23, 9 AM to 12 PM and 2:00-5:30 PM (12 hours)
This special overview of the Concerti will require that participants bring their violin and complete some online pre-course work before arriving. A wonderful opportunity to gain skill and knowledge. Some live demonstration teaching included. This will be registerable with SAA as a special enrichment.
Enrollment limited to 40.
Prerequisite: You must have previously registered Violin Units 9-10, or be a Violin Teacher Trainer.
Piano Teacher Trainers Meeting
Wednesday, May 22, 6:45-9:00 PM (2 1/4 hours)
continuing Thursday, 8:30-11:45 AM and 1:00-2:00 PM (4 1/4 hours)
See email from Lange and Powell for more information.
Flute Teacher Trainers Meeting
Thursday, May 23, 2:00-5:30 PM
Contact Kelly Williamson for more information.
Introduction to Dalcroze
with Dr. Jeremy Dittus
Wednesday, May 22, 6:45-9 PM, continuing Thursday, May 23, 8:30 AM to 12 PM (6 hours)
Dalcroze Education is a unique, exciting, and powerful way of knowing music through the body. The Dalcroze approach explores musical concepts through social and interactive methods that invite students to trust their ideas and develop their own intuitions.
During the course, we will work to address several aspects of Dalcroze Education including applications to performance practice, private lessons, and group lessons. Each session will contain elements of Eurhythmics, Solfège, Improvisation, and Pedagogy so there will be something for everyone to enjoy!
Enrollment limited to 40.
Ready, Steady, Group!
with Carey Beth Hockett
Thursday, May 23, 2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours)
Teaching a Suzuki group class is like making a meal. The children are like the ingredients (some are fresher than others), the repertoire is like your kitchen (some are better equipped than others), but what are you going to make? Which recipe and cooking methods will create the most satisfying result? If your group lessons are starting to taste like something that went from the freezer to the microwave, then it’s time for a sampling of Group Class Techniques with Carey Beth Hockett.
Participants must bring a violin, viola or a cello and be able to play Book 1. The session will include a musical meal prepared by Carey, and then several dishes prepared by teams of participants with Carey’s guidance and feedback. Guaranteed to be challenging and fun.
Enrollment limited to 40.
Music Mind Games: Develop Excellent Readers with Enticing Games
with Michiko Yurko
Thursday, May 23, 2:30-5:30 PM (3 hours)
Music Mind Games students worldwide think music theory is the most fun subject ever and beg their teachers to play the games. As they master skills to read music, they learn ways to interact kindly and develop a love of learning. This session will give teachers an overview of the method and include playing time for beginning, intermediate and advanced games. When registering, please indicate if you will be bringing your own Puppy Packet (recommended).
Enrollment limited to 40.
Post-Retreat Events
Sunday afternoon, May 26
Long-Term Teacher Trainer Meeting
Sunday, May 26, 1:00-5:00 PM
All university-based long-term trainers are urged to attend.
Evaluation Training for Teacher Trainers
Sunday, May 26, 1:00-5:00 PM
This course is open to all Trainers and new Trainer Candidates.
