We are sad to inform SAA members and friends of the passing of June Itami of Nampa, Idaho, on January 14, 2012. She was one of the pioneers of the Suzuki violin method in North America.
June’s first of many trips to Japan was in 1967. She became a close friend of Dr. Suzuki and was well known in the Japanese Suzuki community. June was especially instrumental to the development of the Suzuki method in the western U.S. She was beloved by her community and will be remembered throughout the Suzuki world for her contributions to Suzuki education.
To learn more about June and the plans for the memorial:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/idahopress/obituary.aspx?n=june-sato-itami&pid=155530436&fhid=6403
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©2024 Suzuki Association of the Americas
Comments
West Jordan, UT
43 posts
Another teacher of the first generation has left us—what a beautiful soul with an unselfish spirit and a first hand knowledge of Dr. Suzuki. May the teachers trained by her keep the legacy alive.
Cleo
9 posts
I remember a wonderful time spent in Japan with June. She was truly a sweet spirited pioneer of the Suzuki movement. She will be missed.
My love, thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Beverly
Girdwood, AK
4 posts
Mrs. Itami honored the spirit of the Suzuki philosophy, the open sharing and community. She inspired a community of teachers that joyously and lovingly worked together, for the betterment of the children and not solely for themselves. She understood that music was not just for ego and for the training of virtuosos, but of fine human beings. I miss her and the community in Idaho she mentored. I hope her spirit and the standard and tradition she began is carried on by those who follow.
Much love to you, Sensei.
May Your Heart Forever Sing,
Lisa Miles, TheHeartStrings.org
I am sorry to hear of June Itami passing. I grew up taking violin lessons from her and had the opportunity to as a child go to Salt Lake with her where I saw Dr. Suzuki teach students. She taught me so much and the techniques she taught me continue to help me as I continue to love playing the violin.