Christie Felsing

Parents as Partners Online (PPO) was a six week event that featured over fifty inspirational talks on various parent education and Suzuki related topics. This unique program was intended to nurture parents, whether new or veterans to the Suzuki Method.

Response to PPO was much more than originally anticipated, with 6,552 parents and teachers enrolled! Such a turnout reflects a keen interest in continued parent education, plus a strong desire for garnering more practice ideas to implement along one’s Suzuki journey.

Sessions ranged in length from three to twenty-five minutes and were available via the SAA…

Read more of Parents as Partners Online 2011 Acknowledgments »

A job worth doing is worth doing together!

The 2010 SAA Conference saw true teamwork in action! From its brainstorming stages to the on-site cooperation and collaboration amongst the entire crew, the 13th biennial conference attracted 850 teachers plus many parent, students and exhibitors to Minneapolis, May 27-31.

Kicking off Thursday’s registration night was an eclectic mix of music by the Bad Boyz of Bass. This quartet of Volkan Orhon, David Murray, Paul Sharpe, Antho the world of bass and entertained folks upon arrival with their refreshing arrangements and anecdotes. They literally “set the stage”…

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With the 2010 Conference theme being TEAMWORK, it is quite fitting that the weekend’s chamber music offerings are being expanded. Chamber music, defined as one on a part, is truly a spirit of collaboration both musically and socially. This unique learning experience requires interdependence, yet individuality. Each part is so vital to the whole, and the interaction amongst players, young or old, is crucial to success. The process of problem solving and decision making (including “agreeing to disagree”!) builds respect and empathy within an ensemble. What incredible life skills to instill in any human being.

Chamber music, being intimate in form,…

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One might ask oneself, “Why go to the 2010 SAA Conference in Minneapolis?” After all, it is Memorial Day weekend, and it is cool northern Minnesota (not the sunny Caribbean). Wouldn’t it be nice to stay home and relax as a long semester winds down?

Anyone who has made the time and financial investment to attend knows the truth…coming is well worth the effort! The Conference weekend is truly inspirational, allowing one to refuel with new pedagogical ideas and also engage in conversations with old friends. Offered biennially, it is a time for professional growth providing the opportunity for all who subscribe to the Suzuki philosophy to share ideas and perspectives.

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The 2009 Annual Membership Meeting was broadcast live on the web on April 4th, 2009 from the SAA office in Boulder, Colorado. It features the new teacher development video “A Suzuki Teacher’s Pledge”, a tour of the SAA office, and lots of news and trivia.

Broadcast correspondents: Diane Schroeder, Teri Einfeldt, Christie Felsing, Lamar Blum, Ruth Engle Larner, Mark George, Marilyn Kesler, Carol Ourada, Beth Titterington, and Pam Brasch

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It is with great pleasure that I introduce SAA Honorary Board member Dr. Richard K. Miller, founding president of Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA. A former Suzuki parent, Dr. Miller has incorporated many aspects of the Suzuki philosophy into the studies and daily life at Olin College.

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