I have felt so invigorated following our 2025 Leadership Summit. Between a Board Retreat, Suzuki Training Committee Retreat, and about fifty sessions over two days, my head was spinning with new ideas, inspiration, and an assurance of a Bright Bold Future ahead.
When our team sat down together last year to think about the summit theme, and what we hoped for for the summit, a few key ideas popped up: 1) we wanted people to leave feeling recharged—like they unplugged and plugged back in, refreshed and renewed; 2) we wanted people to feel connected, empowered, and open to new ideas and concepts; and 3) we wanted everyone to leave having painted a new horizon for themselves, and for the SAA. On a personal note, getting to share a stage with Eri Hotta was a big highlight for me. Learning from her what relevance Dr. Suzuki’s mission has today—the important call she has made for us to continue his legacy to teach every child was so timely. If you haven’t yet read Suzuki: The Man and his Dream to Teach the Children of the World, please do! While no event ever goes perfectly, this one really stuck to the vision our team painted, and we are so honored and humbled to have created that experience alongside all of you.
This year seems to be spinning more quickly than last (as each year tends to!). We now look ahead to our next opportunity to gather in San Francisco! Our 2026 Biennial Conference will take place in San Francisco, California. Next year’s theme is Embracing the Future: Practicing creativity, curiosity, and compassion. We’re all familiar with practicing scales, but how do you practice creativity, curiosity, and compassion? We look forward to learning from you! Please be sure to submit your proposals by June 10! Applications for student activities, which will include ensembles, master classes, and demonstration groups, will be available in June.
Before then, we hope to see you at this year’s annual general meeting, which will be held July 22 from 4:30–6p PT. Finally, as several of our community members—teachers, parents, students, and administrators, prepare for Institute season, we send a huge thank you to all who continue to support the Suzuki Method. Wishing you all a wonderful summer, and a wonderful quarter ahead!

Angelica Cortez