ABOUT

The Suzuki Training Committee is an advisory committee that supports the Executive Director and SAA staff in ensuring Teacher Development courses offered by the SAA maintain the vision and direction of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. The committee provides support and advice to the SAA staff, ensuring that the SAA meets its mission to, “improve the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education,” and to “create a learning community which embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit.”

The Suzuki Training Committee (STC) will include 10-20 SAA members who meet the eligibility requirements listed below. We seek individuals willing to volunteer their time, effort, and energy toward making our teacher development stronger. The group meets approximately once per month. Terms for committee members last 2-3 years, and the committee will grow in size each year for two years to ensure overlap between new and existing members.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Teacher Trainers OR current SAA Members who have maintained membership for at least five (5) years and have completed a Certificate of Achievement

Exceptions:

  • As Brass is an area of development, we will consider brass musicians with fewer than 5 years of membership or who have not completed a Certificate of Achievement.
  • A Certificate of Achievement is not required for teachers based in Latin America.

An Ideal Applicant:

  • Meets the criteria above and agrees to the responsibilities below
  • Honors and values diverse perspectives and backgrounds
  • Demonstrates a deep commitment to the Suzuki Method
  • Demonstrates a commitment to the philosophy of Suzuki, including a history of upholding the SAA’s Aspirational Code of Ethics
  • Demonstrates a willingness to represent member perspectives and a willingness to connect with members of the SAA
  • Brings multiple perspectives, such as experience as an Institute or Festival Director, experience in Latin America, or a background as an administrator

STC RESPONSIBILITIES

If selected as an STC Member, you will be asked to:

  • Volunteer 2-4 hours per month to the SAA
  • Represent specific instruments or instrumental groups to STC
  • Connect with members whose instrument groups fall within my role on STC and collaborate with any active instrument committees
  • Work collaboratively with teachers and leaders who may have differing perspectives, opinions, and experiences
  • Read and uphold the SAA Community Guidelines and the SAA’s Aspirational Code of Ethics as befits a representative of the SAA

INTERESTED?

As part of the application, you will be asked to upload your resume and answer these short essay questions:

  • What makes you a strong candidate for this committee, and what do you hope to contribute?
  • What do you believe should be our top priority for the next year?
  • How do you work in a group setting? How do you navigate differing opinions, and what are some strategies you have for moments when tensions feel high?
  • Choose one of the following questions:
    • Do our course offerings uphold the vision and philosophy of Dr. Suzuki? How do our courses meet this vision, and how can we improve?
    • How can we ensure our courses are relevant to teachers’ needs today, while also honoring the history and legacy of the philosophy and Method?
    • What are the impacts of our online training courses? How we can improve them?

You will also be asked to provide the name, phone number, and email address of two (2) references, who can speak to your qualifications in relation to the skillset needed for STC members.

APPLY BY MAY 1, 2025

Submit the application form linked below. Applications will close on May 1st. New committee members will be announced at the Annual General Meeting in July and will begin onboarding in August.

Note: you cannot save the application and return to it later. Prepare your essay questions first, then complete the form.

Apply Now!

All applications will be reviewed by members of the Suzuki Training Committee, and staff. If you have any questions, or want support through the application process, please reach out to us at info@suzukiassociation.org.

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