Ellen Berry

What is the purpose of the SAA “focus group” meeting at Institutes?

The SAA is a huge organization with about 8,000 members in North, Central, South America, and beyond. While the membership consists primarily of Suzuki teachers, it also includes parents, educators, and others who are interested in supporting music education for children. Your Board of Directors currently has twelve members, who are charged with the mandate of representing the membership and governing the organization according to Dr. Suzuki’s vision for the world’s children. The dedicated and skilled SAA staff at the head office in Boulder, Colorado, organizes and runs the many programs which work towards achieving this vision.

Read more of Ask the Experts #21: Summer Focus Groups »

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Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 9th installment.

What is the long-term teaching goal for all students?

In Nurtured by Love, Dr. Suzuki says: “I just want to make good citizens. If a child hears good music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.”

So, the long-term teaching goal for Suzuki students is not to make them into professional musicians, but to help develop them into fine people through the study of music. An appreciation of beauty, a sense of self-control and discipline, concentration skills, and a kind, generous heart are what we aim to develop in our children. Dr. Suzuki goes on to say, “If nations cooperate in raising good children, perhaps there won’t be any war.”

Read more of Ask the Experts #9: Long-Term Goal and Piano Studios »