SAA Teacher Trainers are master teachers who cultivate and nurture the growth of other teachers. They have undergone a rigorous application process to lead and develop our Teacher Development workshops. Becoming a Teacher Trainer offers the opportunity to guide participants in the Suzuki Teacher Development Program as they practice the Suzuki Method and embrace the Suzuki philosophy. Teacher Trainers have been SAA members for at least ten years, commit themselves to lifelong learning, and play an essential role in advancing the SAA’s mission:
The Suzuki Association of the Americas improves the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education. We create a learning community, which embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit.


If you are interested in …

  • finding out about becoming a Teacher Trainer, write to us at info@suzukiassociation.org!
  • connecting with a Teacher Trainer, check out the Directory and check the box for “Teacher Trainers”. You can also connect with any member of the Suzuki Training Committee.
  • learning about Teacher Trainer internships for Teacher Trainer Candidates, visit this page.

Teacher Trainers can access the Teacher Trainer Manual, and other important documents at this link.

Video Preparation for the Teacher Trainer Candidacy Application

As you review your videos and make decisions on which ones to include in your application, please refer to the Pedagogy and Performance Descriptors. These are the basis of your evaluation. While a single video may not demonstrate each descriptor, the collection of submitted videos should include most, if not all, of the relevant descriptors.

Be mindful of the time standards specified in the application.

Check that your Teaching Segments include the student playing something (a measure, a phrase, the first repeat, NOT an entire piece) before you identify what it is you want to work on with them.  If you need additional information about Teaching Segments, find it here.

Naming Protocols

When naming your videos, please do not include your name in the file name. Our system will automatically identify you upon upload. Instead, use file names that clearly reflect the content of the video, as shown below.

Teaching SegmentsApplicant Performances Student Performances
1 – Bk 1 five years or under student
2 – Two sequential lessons.1
3 – Two sequential lessons.2
4 – Middle books lesson
5 -Group lesson		Composer: Piece NameBk 1 – Allegro, age 5, 1/8th size

If instrument size is irrelevant, such as for piano, please end the file name with the age of the student.

Submitting Your Teacher Trainer Candidacy Application

If you are ready to submit your application, please email us to request a secure link to our online portal, where you can upload your videos and documents.