Susan Baer

June is a month that I look forward to with special anticipation every year. June is the harbinger of all the delightful treats of summer. It promises a break from structured routine, the adventure of a vacation, and happiness ignited by flowers bursting open to spill their glorious colors. June is the traditional wedding month, a celebration of abiding love. It’s also the month in which we honor our fathers. And this celebration is not limited to just our own fathers. This occasion embraces our grandfathers, our uncles, our husbands—any male figure who has provided…

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With Mother’s Day approaching, we can’t help but be reminded of how much of who we are must be credited to our mothers. It was our mothers who planted the seeds that sprouted and grew into a vision of Suzuki music education for the world. And who among us isn’t happy about that?

Although my mother never had the opportunity to play an instrument, somehow she intuitively understood the value of music. Despite the financial hardship it incurred, she insisted that music lessons be a part of the education of each one of her six children.…

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Stephen is a very special little boy. He’s cute as a button and has so much energy that it’s hard for any ordinary human being to keep up with him. He’s fascinated with elevators and, if left to his own devices, would ride from floor to floor for hours at a time.

There are other things that make Stephen special that aren’t quite so charming. At five, his language is almost indiscernible. Stephen has been diagnosed with an aural processing disorder. That means that there are errors in the neural connections that carry signals from his…

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Some years ago, following a performance of which the details have long faded, someone from the audience approached me and, among other things, said, “You’re so gifted.” Responding dutifully according to my performance etiquette training, I graciously thanked the woman. But I remember thinking, “Gifted! What do you mean gifted? This was no gift. I practiced hours and hours for years and years in order to be able to do this. A gift is something that’s given to you, and if this is a gift, it sure isn’t free!”

It was several days later that I…

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I’m a sucker for a good old American dream story. That’s the kind where somebody starts with nothing, and through determination and hard work, creates something fabulous. It makes me happy to be part of a society that values that sort of thing. The story I’m going to tell is particularly intriguing because it’s about two entities, once unknown to each other, and how they became entwined based on their common values—and dreams.

The first character in this story is the Suzuki Association of the Americas. This year will mark the fortieth anniversary of the organization.…

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S—T—R—E—T—C—H

It’s been a long time coming. I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I might be one until relatively recently. And to actually take on the role and don the mantel, to embrace the responsibility was like diving into the ocean—breathtaking and frightening at first, but finally invigorating and refreshing. A leader was emerging.

I wasn’t drawn to leadership. In fact, I spent most of my elementary years observing, only participating when called upon to do so. Perhaps it stems from growing up in a large family of mostly older siblings. I loved school, though, and thrived in an environment where I was constantly challenged to learn new things. Shortly before high school graduation, I inadvertently stumbled upon a college recommendation letter that my principal had written for me, one which I was not supposed to see. I did not resist the temptation to read it. He spoke highly of me except to say that I did not exhibit leadership capabilities. The slight stung at first, but over time, I reconciled myself to my perceived lot in life as the perennial support person. It was a comfortable place, and I relished the ease of it.

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Have you visited the SAA Galaxy of Stars recently? It has brightened, well, astronomically! The members of SAA have embraced this opportunity to honor friends, mentors, teachers, parents, children, programs and organizations. Over 170 stars have been dedicated. We’ve had to expand our virtual universe!

The members of the SAA have always filled us with a sense of awe. In a world where competition, self-promotion, and the acquisition of material possessions seems to prevail, we thrive in a community that shares knowledge, that celebrates the…

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How can SAA raise awareness about the association?

In order to answer this question, I think it is necessary to make two clarifications. First of all, the SAA is its membership. Secondly, I think recognition of the SAA as an organization is secondary to raising awareness of the Suzuki method. Without the method, there would be no reason to organize those who adhere to the philosophy.

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How can the SAA connect teachers with grant-writing classes to find funding? How does one go about finding philanthropic sources?

Grant writing is an art. But just like playing a musical instrument, anybody can do it if they are willing to invest the time to do the required research and write a persuasive and cohesive grant proposal. Here are some things you should know:

Read more of Ask the Experts #16: Grant Writing »

I remember, as a young teacher, reading about the SAA conference and thinking that it might be a good idea to go. I knew there would be interesting speakers to hear, important people to meet, and ideas to stimulate my growth as a teacher. And yet, for many years, I did not go. The cost of travel and lodging was a hardship, but the primary reason was that I didn’t have anyone to go with. What made me decide to attend my first conference? It was the invitation from a friend and her suggestion that we room together. Suddenly the prospect of attending a conference no longer seemed daunting. Not only was I going to nurture my soul, I was going to have fun!

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

Does SAA have any written materials free for members that outline all business aspects of starting and administering a studio or music school? How do you start a studio? What resources are available to beginning Suzuki teachers?

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