This document provides information about the Suzuki Music Teacher Training Course for 2022. The course prepares participants to teach instrumental music using the renowned Suzuki method. It covers Books 1-4 of the Suzuki repertoire and focuses on starting young students. The course includes 19 hours of lectures on Suzuki philosophy and methodology as well as 40 hours of instrument-specific tutorials. Participants are assessed through written assignments, teaching observations, performance recitals, and student lesson videos. The course aims to equip teachers with the skills for a successful studio career using the Suzuki approach of nurturing students' development through early exposure, parent involvement, and a focus on tone.

1. Suzuki
Teacher
Training
PRIMARY COURSE 2022

2. Why enrol for this course?
 The Suzuki Music Teacher Training Course prepares participants to teach
instrumental music using the renowned Suzuki approach.
 Suzuki Method has had a major impact on instrumental teaching in the
past 50 years.
 Hilary Hahn, Ray Chen & James Ehnes are just a few concert artists who
started their playing lives as Suzuki students.
 You will graduate from the course with key skills to embark on
establishing a fulfilling and successful studio teaching career.
 This course has a reputation for providing high quality, relevant training,
both theoretical & practical, to equip teachers for fulfilling & successful
teaching.

3. What is
Suzuki
Method?
 Shinichi Suzuki developed an approach for learning
violin, often referred to as the Mother-Tongue
Approach, because it is based on how children acquire
their native language.
 Today, the Suzuki Method of learning is available for
the following instruments:
 Violin
 Viola
 Cello
 Double Bass
 Piano
 Organ
 Flute
 Guitar
 Voice
 Recorder

4. What makes Suzuki approach different?
 Understanding that EVERY child can
learn; that talent is not inborn
 Children may commence lessons from
as young as 3 years of age
 Parent involvement is vital
 Students listen to reference
recordings; music reading is deferred
until good aural skills, posture, tone
and technique are established, and
the child is developmentally ready to
read.

5.  In addition to the individual lesson, students take
part in regular group lessons which build
motivation and ensemble skills using the shared
repertoire.
 Tone is a fundamental aspect of teaching even at
the earliest stages.
 Playful activities are incorporated to make
learning and repetition fun.
 Suzuki philosophy is deeply concerned with
nurturing the whole child, fostering sensitivity,
and developing fine character.

6. What is involved in the course?
 The course covers Books 1-4 in the Suzuki Repertoire, and focuses
on starting young students
Lecture component:
 19 hours in total, (all instruments combined) will commence in late May
& go through to September. In response to the pandemic, these
lectures will be delivered in live Zoom format.
 Lectures cover:
 Philosophy of Ability Development
 Methodology
 Early Childhood Development
 Working with parents
 Setting up a studio

7. Tutorial component:
 40 hours, in instrument groups, in either regular evening sessions or
intensive blocks according to the group’s needs. These sessions will take
place either in-person, online, or a combination of both, in accordance
with COVID-19 Safe Plan & Government guidelines.
 Tutorials cover:
 In-depth study of the repertoire
 Study of Tone
 Setting up beginner students
 Individual & Group teaching skill development
 Sequential literacy development

8. How is the course assessed?
 Written tasks include:
 Essay on Suzuki Philosophy (2000 words)
 Written task – assignment on parent education
 Teaching notes on Books 1-4 repertoire
 Lesson Observation notes (Total of 25 hours required)

9. Performance tasks include:
• Performance recital of key repertoire and
voce
• Additional tasks – performance of repertoire
from memory
Teaching Assessment tasks include:
• Video submission of student lessons, and
performances
• Video Submission of group class
• Teaching Journal tracking one student over 6
weeks

10. Want more
information?
 Contact:
 Suzuki Musicinfo@suzukimusic.org.au
www.suzukimusic.org.au
 Read:
 Nurtured by Love – Shinichi Suzuki (Alfred, revised
edition, 2013)
 Fees: See Course information. Fees can be paid in full
or in 4 in instalments.

11. Key dates:
 Apply for Suzuki Teacher Training Course – Friday February
25, 2022 (Application fee of $130)
 Auditions and Interviews will take place during March
 See application form for information about audition pieces
 Lectures:
 Commence: Sunday 22 May (4 hours, time tba)
 Continue: Thursdays 8.00 – 10.00pm June 2, 16 July 14, 28,
August 11, 25
 Conclude: Sunday 11 September (3 hours)
 Tutorials:
 tba, according to instrument
 From May 2022 (after 22 May) through to March 2023

12. “Where Love is deep, much can be
accomplished” Shinichi Suzuki