“Joy of Music,” created by G.W. Lundeen

The statue “Joy of Music, created by G.W. Lundeen, greets visitors in the lobby of the Hilton Minneapolis.

With all the exciting and inspiring work we do here at the SAA office, every two years, the buzz gets a little more focused this time of winter. The reason? Planning for your biennial conference has kicked into high gear!

Yes, your conference. As members of the SAA and of the incredible Suzuki method community in North and South America, your daily work keeps this beautiful teaching method and philosophy alive and thriving, and this conference is for you. And every two years, the SAA staff and Conference Planning Committee are buzzing with ideas on how to make it the best ever.

Major events have already been scheduled, and we’re adding informational and inspiring sessions from your colleagues around the world every day. Registration is open, with the early-bird discount running until March 31, so it’s time for you to start planning, too!


Conferences and Retreats: We Need You!

Reflections on My First SAA Conference

Discovering the SAA Conference


Hilton Double Guest Room

Hilton Double Guest Room. Sharing a room? Double rooms are spacious!

As seasoned SAA conference-goers will tell you, the sessions and concerts are wonderful, but much of the magic is unscripted—conversations over morning coffee or evening drinks, impromptu late-night idea sessions among colleagues—you may even step into an elevator with that Suzuki teacher who inspires you but whom you have never reached out to. You may meet the ASJ authors whose articles made a difference in your studio.

Along with all the other wonderful amenities the Hilton Minneapolis offers, we’re pleased to offer free WiFi in all Hilton guest rooms booked through the SAA Conference block. We encourage you to stay at the Hilton—the action is centered here and you’re just steps away from all the sessions, concerts, and special events.

Click Here for Hilton Minneapolis Conference 2014 Information

We know that many music teachers are on a tight budget, and we do our best to keep costs down for you. SAA Conferences are the most affordable in our field. We also offer an early-bird registration discount, a discount for full-time students, and a discount when you stay at the Hilton


Attending a Conference on a Budget


If you’re still on the fence, browse our archives from Conference 2012 and Conference 2010 to read about the highlights. Afraid you won’t know anyone? Start a conversation on our discussion forums or request to join our 2014 SAA Conference Group on Facebook.

One thing is for sure—you won’t leave the conference without having made new friends. Remember, we are Powered by Community!