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Practicing Can Be Hard Season 2 Episode 3

August 1, 2018 by Brittany Gardner, Jessica Lahey, Margaret Watts Romney

Music practice has its highs and lows. Sometimes we reach a state of bliss and flow as we find the perfect balance of competence, challenge, and creativity with our instrument. Or, sometimes we can feel like Sisyphus; over and over… Read more ▶

I Get to Bring Them In Season 2 Episode 4

September 13, 2018 by Clara Hardie, Mark Mutter, Ashley Nelson, Margaret Watts Romney

What is community? How do you find it? Join it? Build it? It’s more than just showing up to a bake sale with brownies from a box, then taking off (though I’ve done this many times). Is it bowling clubs… Read more ▶

Greater Than We Would Be on Our Own Season 2 Episode 2

June 17, 2018 by Daniela Gongora, Gail Johansen, Margaret Watts Romney

Margaret Watts Romney: Gail Johansen and Daniela Gongora are both violinists and teachers, but they’ve made music in vastly different areas. Gail Johansen lives in Fairbanks, Alaska… Gail Johansen: Right now since it is almost the winter solstice, we have less… Read more ▶

Were All Performers of One Kind or Another Season 2 Episode1

May 28, 2018 by Margaret Watts Romney

Welcome back to season two of Building Noble Hearts. I’m Margaret Watts Romney. Here, we take a look at the learning environments in which children, parents, and teachers gain new knowledge, and are also encouraged to become fine individuals. Throughout… Read more ▶

Skills I didnt know my child had Episode 5

July 7, 2017 by Dorothy Jones, Margaret Watts Romney

When is the ideal age to start a music education? Many teachers start students as young as 3 and 4 years old, but Dorothy Jones took to heart Dr. Suzuki’s admonition to focus on the babies. In this episode, we… Read more ▶

Matsumoto Memoir Sarah Hersh

October 3, 2017 by Sarah Hersh, Margaret Watts Romney

We are dipping back to a series of recordings—interviews made a number of years ago with people who studied with Shinichi Suzuki in Japan in decades past. In their voices, hear their curiosity and admiration as they remember their experiences. Also, you can hear the inspiration, wisdom, and gratitude that they’ve kept with them since they left. We’ve heard similar stories from Winifred Crock, Helen Higa, and Mark Bjork about their time studying in Matsumoto with Shinichi Suzuki. So while we are working on the full episodes for Season Two, we will occasionally release these Matsumoto Memoires: simple storytelling, straight from the people who were there… Lightly edited for clarity, without narration. Our story starts in the 70’s, in Ohio where Sarah Hersh was studying music. She loved playing violin, was curious about teaching, and happened to have a lucky locker assignment. Welcome to this Matsumoto Memoir from Sarah Hersh. Read more ▶

Matsumoto Memoir Mark Bjork

September 1, 2017 by Mark Bjork, Margaret Watts Romney

Our story starts in the 60’s, in Minnesota, when Mark Bjork was heading to an intriguing concert. He was going to see a tour group of very young Japanese children playing complex concertos brought to North America by Shinichi Suzuki. Welcome to this Matsumoto Memoir from Mark Bjork. Read more ▶

Bringing Your Gifts and Feeding a Hunger that the World Has Episode 6

July 27, 2017 by Alice Ann O'Neill, Margaret Watts Romney

Have you ever felt so focused on the project in front of you that the rest of the world seemed to disappear? Perhaps time stood still? You felt in complete harmony with things around you? This place is a source… Read more ▶

Matsumoto Memoir Helen Higa

June 23, 2017 by Helen Higa, Margaret Watts Romney

Today, we are looking at just one environment created by one teacher, and finding themes that can be applied to good teaching everywhere such as generosity, powerful observation, and warmth. Recently I was introduced to a series of recordings—interviews made a number of years ago with people who studied with Shinichi Suzuki in Japan in decades past. I feel like I’ve had a little trip to Asia in the 1970’s. Read more ▶

Holding Two Concepts In Ones Mind Episode 4

June 7, 2017 by Sarah Bylander Montzka, Margaret Watts Romney

Students, Teachers, Parents, Administrators: we are all interested in growth and change. In this episode, Sarah Bylander Montzka explains the skill we can all use of “holding two concepts in one’s mind at the same time”—a skill which can nurture growth in students, organizations, and ourselves. Read more ▶

It Doesnt Get Much Better Than This Episode 2

May 8, 2017 by Carey Beth Hockett, Margaret Watts Romney

How are in-person and engaged communities created? What do they feel like when you’re in them? We interview group class expert and cellist Carey Beth Hockett to hear her answers. Read more ▶

Episode 1 You Have to Go On You Have to Grow

April 24, 2017 by Winifred Crock, Margaret Watts Romney

Who was Dr. Suzuki, why is there a community of teachers following his vision, and what ideas can apply to teachers anywhere? We talk with his former student, Winifred Crock, to answer these questions and more. Read more ▶

Thank You Suzuki ParentsEverything You Do is Much Appreciated

September 3, 2015 by Merlin Thompson

Thank you, Suzuki parents. You do an amazing job. We teachers cannot even begin to express how deeply we value who you are—your vision, your commitment, your love for your child and music. Read more ▶

Music and Social Responsibility

June 17, 2015 by Mark George

Do musicians have a special responsibility to serve their community? This is a question I have asked myself throughout my more than thirty year career as a musician, music teacher and arts administrator. Music is a language that is at once… Read more ▶

Inspiration and Connection at the 2015 Leadership Retreat

May 29, 2015 by Barbara Balatero, Heather Watson Hardie, Samara Humbert-Hughes, Laura Nerenberg, Alice Ann O'Neill, Kathleen Schoen, Rafael Videira, Danette Warren Schuh

For many Suzuki teachers, SAA Conferences and Leadership Retreats are the best way to kick off summer. Packed full of inspiration and camaraderie, these events are not to be missed! Read more ▶

Top 10 Things to Do Immediately After the SAA Leadership Retreat

May 27, 2015 by Ian Salmon

Congratulations! You made it through the 2015 SAA Leadership Retreat! You have a renewed sense of motivation and a slew of great ideas that you are eager to implement into your studio. What do you do next? Organize your notes?… Read more ▶

Suzuki Piano School Volumes 17 Digital Audio and eBooks Now Available

May 20, 2015

Great news for Suzuki teachers and families from Alfred Music Publishing Audio Downloads! The downloadable audio for Suzuki Piano School Vol’s 1-7 is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, etc… Read more ▶

Suzuki Teacher Featured in Short Documentary Following Heart

February 3, 2015 by Russ Hamilton

Danielle Turano is a New York and Connecticut based performer, artist, and Suzuki Educator. Recently, the online blog and video project Jack’s Gap featured her in a short documentary. This documentary is part of a new series called Following Heart. The… Read more ▶

We Are Suzuki How the Suzuki Method Influenced These Grads Creativity and Success

November 21, 2014 by Libby Felts

By now, you may be familiar with We Are Suzuki. Our aim with this campaign is to show the many faces of Suzuki education in the Americas. We often pay a lot of attention to current Suzuki students who play… Read more ▶

Breaking Barriers Bringing Suzuki to Afghanistan

September 23, 2014 by Libby Felts, Jennifer Moberg Pforte, Ahmad Sarmast

The Afghan National Institute of Music is the country’s only music school. Until just over ten years ago, learning, teaching, and making music was illegal. After the fall of the Taliban, it was imperative that the country revive its cultural… Read more ▶

Reaching Out

April 17, 2014 by Ellen Kogut

Every two years, hundreds of Suzuki teachers descend upon the Minneapolis Hilton for the Suzuki Association of the Americas Conference. The Conference offers presentations, workshops, masterclasses, and performances, as well as the incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues from all… Read more ▶

Learn Celebrate Empower Connect with Your Community at the 2014 Conference

March 18, 2014 by Daina Volodka Staggs

We have a unique opportunity at the biennial SAA conferences to come together to learn, celebrate, and improve our teaching and ourselves through the power of Dr. Suzuki’s vision of educating children… Read more ▶

Why Support the Latin American Suzuki Ensemble

February 1, 2014 by Rolando Freitag, Mary Halverson Waldo

Help us realize Dr. Suzuki's vision of developing understanding, tolerance, and world peace through the joy of music. Read more ▶

Conference 2014 Planning It039s Never Too Early

February 14, 2014 by Libby Felts

We share some tips from seasoned conference goers on early-stage planning for an SAA conference. Read more ▶

Whats what The Latin American Suzuki Ensemble and Suzuki Americas 2014

December 16, 2013 by Libby Felts

The Latin American Suzuki Ensemble and Suzuki Americas 2014 are two incredible student events scheduled for the 2014 Conference. Read on to find out more about them. Read more ▶

Recollections My First Conference

November 15, 2013 by Libby Felts

Some members of the 2014 SAA Conference planning team shared their recollections of their first conference experience. Have a memory to share? Tell us in the comments. Read more ▶

Did you know Suzuki Method Recordings and Digital Downloads

November 14, 2013 by Libby Felts

Wondering what’s going on with digital downloads? Read on. Read more ▶

Leadership in the Suzuki Community through Empowering Others Leadership Retreat Recap

June 19, 2013 by Marilyn Kesler

How can we lead in our Suzuki communities by empowering others? Read more ▶

From Pilsen to Matsumoto The Trip of a Lifetime for Merit Students

June 12, 2013 by Libby Felts

A reminder of something that makes the Suzuki method extraordinary: its power to cross cultural and geopolitical boundaries to bring together people who share the common bond of creating beautiful music Read more ▶

Tips for Managing a Successful Studio Leadership Retreat Recap

June 6, 2013 by Sally Gross, Carrie Walsh Erdely

Studio management tips, from recruiting to building community and more! Read more ▶

Active Communication within the Suzuki Studio Leadership Retreat Recap

May 30, 2013 by Heidi Curatolo, Christie Felsing

How do you encourage active communication in your studio? Among parents? Among students? Supporting colleagues? Read more ▶

Using Technology in Your Program Leadership Retreat Recap

May 29, 2013 by David Madsen

What tech tools do you use in your Suzuki program? How do you address these or other concerns? Read more ▶

Guest Blog Final Thoughts from the 16th World Convention

April 9, 2013 by Edward Kreitman

See Ed’s previous updates from the Convention, and more from Matusumoto. March 31—Sunday Today is the last day of the conference, and we begin with a slightly shortened version of our morning group class. After lunch, we are all assembled in… Read more ▶

Guest Blog Thursday and Friday at the 16th World Convention

March 30, 2013 by Edward Kreitman

Ed Kreitman reports from Matsumoto on Thursday’s and Friday’s activities. Read more ▶

Guest Blog More from the 16th Suzuki Method World Convention

March 29, 2013 by Jennifer Visick

Suzuki teacher Jennifer Visick blogs from Matsumoto. Read more ▶

Guest Blog Live from the 16th Suzuki Method World Convention

March 28, 2013 by Edward Kreitman

Live from the 16th Suzuki Method World Convention, guest blogger Ed Kreitman reports on the experience so far. Read more ▶

Gearing Up for Institute Season

March 25, 2013

Are you attending an institute? What’s your best advice for a first-time family? Read more ▶

An Overture

March 19, 2013

We’ve entered the blogosphere! Check it out, and let us know in the comments: what kinds of posts would you like to read? Read more ▶

From Pilsen to Matsumoto Members of Merit School of Musics SuzukiAlegre Strings Ensemble tune up for 16th Suzuki Method World Convention

March 18, 2013

Eighteen talented Chicago youngsters, all students in Merit School of Music’s Suzuki-Alegre Strings program, will soon check their suitcases and string instruments and board a flight to Japan to represent Chicago at the 16th Suzuki Method World Convention, March 27-31, 2013. Read more ▶

2013 Suzuki Student Writing Contest

February 20, 2013

Polish up your best poetry and nonfiction essays and send them our way. We want to see your many talents! Winning pieces will be published on the SAA website, in the Minijournal, or in other publications. Read more ▶

A Call To Action

January 21, 2013 by Heather Watson Hardie

We need to become the best, highest level teachers we can possibly be. Being more involved in the Suzuki community can help you get there. Read more ▶

High Notes Getting to Know Your Horsehair

January 17, 2013 by Susan Baer

Have you ever imagined what the horse that donated its tail for your bow hair looks like? Where does it live? Is it a mare or a stallion? Here are some interesting facts that might help you get to know your horse. Read more ▶

High Notes Basses are Better

December 14, 2012 by Susan Baer

Bassists are a breed of their own, deeply committed to the low tones, the amplitude, and the life-size reflection of the human figure. The bass is intrinsic to every musical genre, from jazz to rock and roll, from country to classical. Its role in harmonic construction is the foundation upon which all else is built. Read more ▶

High Notes The Case of the Dubious Identity

November 8, 2012 by Susan Baer

Sometimes determining the credible identity of an instrument’s maker can seem like the plot of a detective novel full of intrigue and deception. In an age where scientific advancements are making it possible to solve crimes of yore through DNA testing, similar discoveries are taking place in the world of stringed instruments. Read more ▶

Happy Birthday Dr Suzuki

October 17, 2012

Shinichi Suzuki, the man who developed the Suzuki Method, was born on October 17, 1898, in Nagoya, Japan. Read more ▶

High Notes Off to a Great Start

September 18, 2012 by Susan Baer

Embarking on the journey to mastery of a stringed instrument requires a certain degree of courage, even when starting firmly entrenched in the belief that every child can. Read more ▶

Suzuki in the Community Nano Videos presented at the 2012 Conference

June 20, 2012 by Kathleen Schoen, Thomas Wm Schoen, Heidi Schuller, Joanna Smulakowski

These short videos presented at the conference provide a wonderful introduction to the Suzuki Method, and how it can benefit the larger community as well as individual students. The Expanded Suzuki Triangle: Nurturing the Student within the Community by Kathleen & Thomas… Read more ▶

2012 Minijournal Cover Winners

June 1, 2012

1st Place Winner Daniel Su, age 6 Lexington, KY Daniel has been studying piano one year with teacher Jennifer Brooke (J.B.) Taylor. 2nd Place Oliver Setiyadi, age 8 Broomfield, CO Oliver has been playing violin for four years. His drawing is titled “A World of Music.” 3rd Place Caera… Read more ▶

The Sound of Success Suzuki Method for Guitar

April 4, 2012

Thanks to the work of the SAA Guitar Committee and producer Laura Wong Burnett, we are able to present a new, informative introduction to Suzuki Guitar. Whether you are a parent or a classical guitarist interested in teaching, the information… Read more ▶

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