Conference 2012

September 18, 2013 by Stacy Smith

As a first-time attendee, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m now convinced that planning to attend SAA events the weekend before Memorial Day for professional development is one of the best things I can do, both for myself and for my teaching. Read more ▶

September 18, 2013 by Christine Goodner

I am a goal setting type of person—perhaps it’s a result of being a Suzuki violin student since the age of three. I love making goals, working to meet them, and sometimes, revising them along the way. Looking forward to… Read more ▶

March 18, 2013 by Susan Baer

What are your strengths? How can you put those to work for the benefit of your fellow SAA members? Read more ▶

December 14, 2012

Videos and Handouts from SAA’s 15th Conference, 40 and Forward—sign up now! You are sure to find inspiration, useful ideas, and thoughts to ponder and discuss with colleagues and studio families. Read more ▶

December 14, 2012 by William Starr

First SAA President Bill Starr speaks about the founding of the Suzuki Association of the Americas 40 years ago. Keynote address from the 2012 SAA Conference. Read more ▶

October 24, 2012

In celebration of its 40th anniversary and over 50 years of Suzuki education in the Americas, the Suzuki Association of the Americas proudly presents this special event. This concert DVD showcases a selection of young student performers representing several instrumental disciplines and stages of study. Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Loren Abramson, Patricia Purcell

The SAA 15th Biennial Conference was a huge success from many perspectives. The days of May 24-28, in Minneapolis were full and inspiring. The Keynote addresses were enlightening and inspiring for all members: Laurel Trainor reviewed research from cognitive and… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Susan Baer

A Kaleidoscope of Talent One of the highlights of the 2012 SAA Conference was the Kaleidoscope Concert. Just as the name suggests, the concert provided a colorful and diverse display of children of various ages, on a variety of instruments, and representing… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012

The Suzuki Association of the Americas presented the 2012 Creating Learning Community Awards on Saturday, May 26, during a ceremony at the SAA 15th Biennial Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Recipients were Pamela Reit: “The Heart and Soul of Green Mountain Suzuki”… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Deborah Moench

The lights dimmed in the Grand Ballroom, and a hush fell over the audience as they anticipated the entrance of Tf3. Thunderous applause welcomed musicians Zach De Pue, Ranaan Meyer and Nick Kendall (grandson of American Suzuki pioneer John Kendall).… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Susan Baer

The conference sessions for violinists provided a menu of irresistible treats. There were so many intriguing titles that it was impossible to see everything on my list of top picks. On the flip side, no one complained of opting to… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Janse Vincent

At this historical conference celebrating the 40th anniversary of the SAA, the viola sessions were right in keeping with the spirit of celebration. From those focusing on Bach to the traditional viola reading session, we were honoring the past while… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Arlette Aslanian-Townsend, James Van Reeth

Members of the Suzuki Youth Orchestras of the Americas (SYOA) presented their concert Sunday afternoon. The audience was treated to an experience rich with quintessential Suzuki tone, electrifying energy and exemplary musicianship. Outstanding conductors Emmett Drake (SYOA 1) and Kirsten… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Libby Felts

Bassist Nicholas Walker, guest clinician for bass at the 2012 SAA Conference, sat down to speak with me following Time for Three’s performance at the conference. Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Lucy Shaw, Andrea Yun

With the beautiful hall of the Minnesota Orchestra as the setting, fourteen young musicians were featured in concert at a first-of-its-kind event for the SAA. The Kaleidoscope Concert brought together talented students from around the country performing pieces from and beyond the Suzuki repertoire. Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Kathleen Schoen

The recorder events at the recent SAA Biennial Conference had a very international flavour, with participants from Bermuda, Brazil, and Canada as well as the United States. Teachers and students worked together with our clinician, Renata Pereira, to perform a… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Malgosia Lis

I have known of Gavin George for a while, I have heard his teacher Mary Craig Powell talk about him; I have listened to his recording on YouTube. I knew he was a very special boy, who loved piano and… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Malgosia Lis

As of writing this, ten days have passed since the 15th SAA Conference, and I am still living on cloud nine! I seem to be talking about the conference to anybody who is eager (or seems to be eager to… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Wan Tsai Chen, Lynn McCall

“Dr. Suzuki, you seem to be more interested in the success of the early childhood programs than anything else. Is that right?” Suzuki replied, “Yes. It is so important, the early training. It is difficult to get support for this… Read more ▶