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Join us February 25-28, 2026 | San Francisco, California
Co-located with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the 2026 Biennial Conference! We are thrilled to present opportunities for Suzuki students (those working with a registered Suzuki teacher) to be part of the 2026 conference. To see full information about the conference, including hotel details, visit this link. Have any questions? Email us at [email protected].
Timeline
- Applications will be open July 1 – Sept 22nd, 2025. Late applications may be accepted if there is space available.
- Invitations will be sent no later than October 6, 2025
- Commitment letters are due by October 15, 202
- For details about schedules, please see below. Note that all scheduling is subject to change.
Student Ensembles
SAA Student Ensembles will rehearse at the conference, and be featured during keynotes and evening performances throughout the event. There will also be opportunities for pre-existing student ensembles to perform as part of our Music Showcase performances. Fees, auditions, qualifications, and additional information can be found below.
Ensemble auditions: Please find your instrumental ensemble below and take note of the age recommendations and audition requirements.
| Ensembles (in order of performance date/time) | Ensemble Clinicians | Ensemble rehearsals | Ensemble Performance | Audition Repertoire (to be played by memory) & Qualifications | Performance Repertoire |
| Brass Ensemble | James Markey & Kyra Sovronsky | Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 6:30 – 9:00 pm Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 am | Thursday, Feb 26 7:00 pm | Ages: 18 or below Level: any Repertoire: A polished piece of your choice | Coming soon |
| Flute Ensemble | Zara Lawler | Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 6:30 – 9:00 pm Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 am | Thursday, Feb 26 8:30 pm | Ages: 8+ Level: any Repertoire: Audition not required. We will request a recommendation from your teacher using the email address you entered. | Selections from Music by Black Composers and Suzuki repertoire |
| Early Music Ensemble This ensemble is open to violin, viola, cello, recorder, and voice | Paul Leenhouts, Gustavo de Francisco, Amelia Seyssel | Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 6:30 – 9:00 pm Thursday 6:45 – 8:15 pm There is an additional rehearsal for Harpsichord, Voice, and Cello on Thursday 8 – 9:30 am. | Friday, Feb 27 8:00 am Keynote | Ages: Any Level: See separate table below Repertoire: See separate table below | Coming soon |
| Viola Ensemble | Dr. Raphael Videira | Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, 6:30 – 9:00 pm Thursday 6:45 – 8:15 pm | Friday, Feb 27 8:00 am Keynote | Ages: 9+ Level: Late Book 4+ Repertoire: Telemann Concerto in G Major, Mvt 2 or a piece of your choice at a similar or more advanced level | Three Pieces for Viola and Piano by C. Guerra-Peixe (Brazil, 1914-1993) |
| Violin Ensemble | Dr. Kara Eubanks | Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 am, 6:45 – 8:15 pm Friday 8:30 – 9:30 am | Friday, Feb 27 7:00 pm Concert #1 | Ages: 9+ Level: Books 8+ Repertoire: Bach Concerto in A minor, Mvt 1, or a piece of your choice at a similar or more advanced level | Kabalevsky Concerto in C Major, Op. 48, mvt 3: Vivace giocoso |
| Cello Choir | Andrea Yun | Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 am, 6:45 – 8:15 pm Friday 8:30 – 9:30 am | Friday, Feb 27 8:30 pm Concert #2 | Ages: 9+ Level: Book 5+ Repertoire: Goltermann Concerto No. 4, Mvt. 3 “Rondo” or a piece of your choice at a similar or more advanced level | Mozart, Ave Verum Corpus Witter-Johnson, Rise Up Riddim Kim/Sonnenblick, Golden from KPop Demon Hunters |
| Bass Ensemble | Dr. Kate Jones | Thursday 6:30 – 8:00 pm Friday 8:30 – 9:30 am, 6:30 – 8 pm | Saturday, Feb 28 8:00 am Keynote | Ages: 9+ Level: Book 4+ Repertoire: Saint-Saens L’Elephant | Gavotte by Antonio Lorenziti Habanera by Salvador Amato |
| Piano Ensemble | Flor Canelo | Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 am Friday 8:30 – 9:30 am Saturday 8:00 – 9:45 am | Saturday, Feb 28 11:30 am Performance | Ages: 8+ Level: Book 3+ Repertoire: A polished piece of your choice approximately 1/2 book behind your newest piece | Moritz Moszkowski, Spanish Dances Op. 12 , Nos. 1-5 |
All scheduling is subject to change. Performance times will be confirmed directly with participating students.
Early Music Ensemble Audition details
| Instrument | Repertoire | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bach double concerto – BWV 1042, mvt 1 Listen to an audio link | Most students don’t have baroque bows, instruments, or gut strings, though those who do are encouraged to use them. For nearly everyone, except perhaps those already studying with early music specialists, this will be a new experience. Students are generally used to different bowings and a more Romantic style of playing. Since modern instruments are tuned higher, the provided recording will sound a half step lower than the pitch they know. Students are invited to listen closely to the recording and explore its style of bowing, articulation, dynamics, and sound. They are encouraged to stay open to new ideas under the guidance of Paul Leenhouts, and to enjoy a fresh approach to ensemble playing and music they may know. |
| Viola | Book 4 piece, free choice | |
| Cello | Book 5 piece, free choice | |
| Recorder | Any Book 4 or later piece, free choice | |
| Voice | Book level 4 or above In the key of your choice please submit ONE of the following: EITHER one verse from Antique Aria from 28 Italian Songs & Arias of the 17th & 18th Centuries(Schirmer edition); OR one verse of the following Early Music pieces included on the Suzuki Voice Unit lists: Book-3 No. 16 (T. Campion); Unit-4 No. 11 (T. Arne) or No. 14 (A. Falconieri); Unit-5 No.11 (G.F. Handel); Unit-6 No. 4 (Frescobaldi). | Voice applicants will participate in both the Early Music Ensemble & the Voice Masterclass. |
Student Masterclasses
Interested students should plan to submit their masterclass piece as their audition. Please see all fees and qualification details below. Fees, auditions, qualifications, and additional information can be found below.
Masterclass audition repertoire:
Students should submit an audition with the piece they plan to play at the masterclass. Submit your video, playing by memory, and include accompaniment if applicable. Accompanists will be provided at the conference.
Voice Students: Please note that the voice program at the conference includes a Masterclass and the Early Music Ensemble. Students must be willing to participate in both. Required repertoire is listed in the table above.
| Masterclasses (in alphabetical order) | Masterclass Clinicians | Masterclass Time |
| Bass | Patricia Weitzel | Saturday 2/28 12:00 pm |
| Brass | Courtney Jones & Larry Williams | Saturday 2/28 10:00 am |
| Cello | Patrice Jackson | Friday 2/27 12:30 pm |
| Flute | Marianne Gedigian | Friday 2/27 3:30 pm |
| Piano | Nicole Wilton & Blancamaria Montecinos | Friday 2/27 10:00 am |
| Recorder | Paul Leenhouts | Thursday 2/26 10:00 am |
| Viola | Jordan Bak | Thursday 2/26 3:30 pm |
| Violin | Jennifer Arnold | Thursday 2/26 11:30 am |
| Voice | Amelia Seyssel | Friday 2/27 10:00 – 11:30 am and Friday 2/27 6:30 – 7:30 pm Please note – voice applicants will participate in both the Early Music Ensemble & the Voice Masterclass |
All scheduling is subject to change. Performance times will be confirmed directly with participating students.
Music Showcase Opportunities
Suzuki teachers who have pre-existing ensembles interested in performing at the 2026 Conference can take part in our Music Showcase opportunity and perform in our informal Showcase spaces. Student participants have the opportunity to attend masterclasses, evening performances, the exhibit hall and college fair, and connect with other like-minded students!
To audition, the group leader submits a video of 2 sample pieces, not more than a total of 10 minutes. The video may be longer, but the committee will review only up to 10 minutes. As part of the application, the group leader will need to indicate at least 3 times when the group would be available to perform.
Additional questions? Please email [email protected]
Fees, Qualifications, & Application
| Application Fee in USD | Participation Fee in USD | Qualifications | Notes | |
| Student Ensembles & Masterclasses | $65 ($20 for Latin America) | $150 per student ($50 for Latin America) | Students should be in high school or younger and need to be studying with an active SAA member. Students who participate in both a masterclass and an ensemble pay one application fee and one participation fee. | Participating students and their chaperones (a parent, guardian, teacher, other trusted adult) gain access to any masterclasses, the exhibit hall and college fair, performances, keynotes, and any sessions that might be of interest throughout the conference. |
| Music Showcases | $65 | $150 per ensemble | Ensemble must be led by an active SAA member. | The teacher/director and any adult ensemble members must register for the conference. Students have the opportunity to attend masterclasses, evening performances, the exhibit hall and college fair, and connect with other like-minded students! |
Clinicians
All Suzuki student participants will interact with an amazing variety of guest clinicians, Suzuki leaders, and like-minded Suzuki students! Learn more about our clinicians below.
Meet the Student Activities Committee
This team will be supporting all student activities throughout the event!
