About Suzuki Voice in the SAA

Introduction

Suzuki Voice is a comprehensive vocal program designed to teach healthy vocal technique in a progressive, developmentally appropriate manner for all ages—from prenatal and preschool learners through elementary, teenage, and adult students.

Founded by Dr. Päivi Kukkämaki, the Suzuki Voice program began development in Finland in 1986. Both Shinichi Suzuki and his wife, Waltraud Suzuki, actively mentored and supported the program, working closely with Dr. Kukkämäki throughout their lifetimes.

Today, Suzuki Voice teachers are trained and active in multiple regions and organizations, including the European Suzuki Association (ESA), Pan-Pacific Suzuki Association (PPSA), Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), and Talent Education Research Institute (TERI) in Japan.

The Suzuki Voice Program approaches the voice as a musical instrument, recognizing it as the primary and most accessible human instrument for music-making, regardless of age. Because the voice develops naturally from early childhood, technical training can begin earlier than with any other instrument.

Suzuki Voice teachers are trained to:

• Recognize age-dependent technical variables in the developing voice
• Foster healthy vocal development through thoughtful, informed pedagogy
• Adapt instruction to the individual needs of each child

Suzuki Voice maintains a Common Repertoire shared across all regions. Western classical repertoire forms the foundational core, supporting the development of:

• Vocal technique
• Musicianship
• Musical expression

Within this classical framework, the repertoire is culturally and linguistically diverse, featuring original compositions from a wide range of countries, cultures, and historical periods.

In addition to the core repertoire, enrichment repertoire, including music outside the classical genre, may be introduced when appropriate, based on the student’s technical readiness and motivational needs.

Core Repertoire

Volumes One and Two repertoire is primarily folk songs. Volume Two core repertoire expands the singing range and introduces singing in foreign languages, as well as singing in parts and in canon. The beginning language for singing in the Suzuki Voice Program is always the teacher’s and child’s native language. Both volumes also include a “Songs for Parents” section, which is used either as material for younger-age activities and group lessons or as developmentally appropriate enrichment material for any student.

Volume Three repertoire introduces short, composed songs in their original composed language, including the most common classical conservatory languages as well as others. Students learn about musical periods and specific composers while exploring diverse musical styles and forms from Early Music through the Romantic era. Reduced melodic support in the accompaniments, combined with continued part-singing, further develops vocal independence.

Intermediate repertoire beyond Volume Three principally includes art song literature from many countries in their originally composed languages. In addition to art song, early Italian arias are introduced, along with exercises that support the skills and technical development required to sing this repertoire. Part-singing skills and an increasing emphasis on vocal independence continue. Subsequent to Volume Three, or occasionally earlier depending on the age of the child, technical studies by Nicola Vaccai are also introduced.

More advanced studies include higher-level art songs from many countries and higher-level early Italian arias, as well as some exposure to operatic repertoire and style. Technical development studies, including Vaccai, continue as needed to support mastery of the repertoire.

Throughout the program, the core repertoire is designed to support the development of the voice at any age and has been used effectively with students from very early childhood through adulthood.

Only teachers who are trained in Suzuki Voice currently have access to the complete authorized Suzuki Voice repertoire that is shared across all Regions worldwide. Although Volume One is currently published, two additional completed volumes are pending publication. These two volumes, along with subsequent reservoirs of Common Repertoire, are available exclusively to registered or credentialed Suzuki Voice teachers in any Region.

Find Suzuki Voice lessons or Teacher Training

To find a trained Suzuki Voice teacher within the SAA, visit Find a Suzuki Teacher, enter your information, and check that the teacher’s curriculum vita includes registered Suzuki Voice training.

For information about upcoming Voice training, please visit this page and filter by instrument. You can also contact one of the two SAA Voice Teacher Trainers: Amelia
Seyssel (New York) or Mary Hofer (Wisconsin).

Audition for Teacher Training

Visit this page to confirm the audition repertoire or this page for general audition information.