Chair’s Column

By Kerri Williams

New Horizons: Suzuki’s Bright, Bold Future

The title of our most recent Leadership Conference is an indicator of this current season of our Suzuki Association of the Americas. Many thanks to those who took the time to share ideas, encouragement, concerns, and wishes at our conference this past March. Here are summaries of some of the suggestions. If any of these areas resonate with you, or if you are willing to lend your expertise, contact our executive director, Angelica Cortez. 

Chapters

Some spoke of restructuring local chapters to be more inclusive of isolated areas. A quick solution for those in regions outside of active chapters is to encourage the expansion of instrument-specific groups for connection and professional development. Some already exist, such as piano, violin, and cello. Let us know if there is an instrument group you would like to join or start. 

Recruitment

A presence in college and university music departments, particularly those who do not have Suzuki training within their courses of study, would go a long way in expanding the influence of Suzuki education and recruiting more generations of Suzuki educators. Student SAA memberships would be another piece to encourage life-long Suzuki participation.

Certification

“Certification is a credential issued by professional organizations or groups demonstrating advanced skills and knowledge in a particular field.” In some regions, surviving as a music teacher is a competitive venture. An ongoing concern has been maintaining a reputation of excellence and quality musical development. Because our method books and recordings are publicly accessible, random users affect brand perception and what it represents. Suzuki teacher training is a critical component of our quality control—why not take the next step to categorize and market the investment in your training? Certification would encourage continuing education, and support the quality and consistency of the Suzuki brand.

Access to Resources

Some recommendations that are in process include a centralized teacher training registration, and a clearinghouse for access to Suzuki-leveled supplemental repertoire (for strings a Diverse Repertoire database is in progress). Another suggestion has been made to include the payment of chapter dues with SAA dues. This step has already been taken for Suzuki Music/Musique Canada. A member concern that will require creative solutions is increasing participation in conferences despite the increasing cost of hotel and travel, particularly for new teachers and students.

Communication

Healthy communication and active participation are key components in a successful organization. Suggestions for communication and participation follow.

1. Your SAA office staff and Board have worked hard to meet the request for greater transparency. This is an ongoing priority, and we hope you have detected some progress in this area. 
2. Your SAA leadership is developing a strategic plan. You should have received a survey for your input, and as a stakeholder, your feedback in this endeavor is critical and invaluable—please respond!
3. Please consider participating as a Board or STC member. It has been my distinct privilege to collaborate with such dedicated, passionate, and brilliant minds. If you or someone you know is looking for a way to make a difference in the SAA, consider nomination to Board service. While elections are held once a year, applications are accepted year-round. Also, you can make your voice heard when you vote in our annual elections.
4. The Board Countries Committee helps facilitate better communication between Suzuki Music/Musique Suzuki (SMMC), Suzuki members in the United States, and Latin American Country Associations. The wonderful events and ideas throughout the Americas shouldn’t be limited by distance and language.  

These are the more frequently mentioned ideas I’ve heard for the past few years. What are other ideas for your SAA’s Bright, Bold Future?