By Alejandra Nieto, Aurora Pinazzo, Franco Pinazzo, Nayat Cárdenas, Benjamín Antelo Pinto, César Prats, Felipe Aizaga, and Manuela Iparraguirre
Red Promesa Suzuki is a group of teachers, friends, and former Suzuki students from different parts of Latin America, working together to support the growth of the Suzuki Method in our respective countries. Alejandra Nieto and Nayat Cárdenas from Perú, Aurora Pinazzo and Franco Pinazzo from Paraguay, Benjamín Antelo Pinto from Bolivia, Felipe Aizaga from Ecuador, César Prats from Colombia and Paraguay, and Manuela Iparraguirre from Argentina. We are not only colleagues but also lifelong friends. Many of us met as children at Suzuki festivals, which makes this group truly special. We were between ten and twelve years old when we first crossed paths, sharing meaningful experiences that inspired us to continue our journey as Suzuki teachers.
From personal experience, we deeply understand the profound impact the Suzuki Method can have on a child’s life. This understanding has become our driving force—to work diligently to promote the method, make it more accessible, and bring Suzuki-related events to our communities.
Looking back, the network was founded during the 35th Suzuki Festival in Peru and made its first official appearance at the 7th Conference of Suzuki Teachers of Latin America. The innovative concept of a “network” sparked curiosity among Latin American teachers, who began asking who would lead it. To clarify, Red Promesa aims to function as a horizontal organization, in contrast to traditional hierarchical structures. Our focus is on nurturing an environment based on collaboration and friendship.
We recognize that developing projects in Latin America presents many challenges. Securing financial support amidst ongoing socioeconomic difficulties is no easy task. However, we are confident in our ability to collectively gather and make use of all available resources to ensure children have access to socially empathetic spaces and a high-quality education—as envisioned by the Suzuki Method.
Building a Suzuki Festival
Our team is organizing the First International Suzuki Festival in Paraguay to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Suzuki Method’s introduction in the country. Promotion of this festival is particularly important to us, as it marks the first event we will host as an independent international organization. The Suzuki Method was introduced in Paraguay in 2005, and today, more than 150 teachers are actively engaged in Suzuki music education. While efforts have been made to hold festivals in the past—such as the National Training Festivals of 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2012—no major training events have taken place since then, putting the continuity of teacher development at risk.
This year, we have the opportunity not only to reignite Suzuki teacher training in Paraguay, but also to host the first festival with an international scope—welcoming children, families, and teachers from across the region. Celebrating two decades of unwavering dedication is a unique chance to strengthen our local community, foster professional connections, highlight existing projects, and promote continuous learning through the Suzuki Method.
We believe that the participation of students and teachers in the festival will be a memorable and enriching experience. Paraguay is a culturally vibrant country with a rich musical heritage—it is one of the few nations that features a composer and guitarist, Agustín Pío Barrios, on its currency.
The festival will be held from July 28 to August 10 at the campus of the National University of Asunción. The event will include a wide variety of activities and courses, master classes, concerts, the first Paraguayan Teachers’ Convention, and we expect participation from educators and students from all over the region. Meanwhile, our member César Prats is responsible for organizing the upcoming Suzuki Philosophy Course, scheduled for May in Paraguay, featuring Argentine teacher trainer and renowned violinist Eduardo Ludueña.
Our Belief in Festivals
Participation in festivals and other events is essential in galvanizing the Suzuki Method in our region. Argentine member Manuela Iparraguirre, in collaboration with Suzuki guitar teachers from Chile and Ibermúsicas (an international cultural organization), is organizing a Suzuki Guitar event in Argentina. She recently gave a presentation at the SAA’s Leadership Summit, discussing how Suzuki events like these can shape the future of our community. In our experience, such events are vital, as they foster collaboration and make a lasting impact through music. Several members of Red Promesa Suzuki shared their reflections from the session about the importance of festivals and international collaboration.

In 2010, I had the opportunity to travel to Peru and take part in the first Latin American Suzuki Orchestra at the age of 14. I performed music from neighboring countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, as well as from more distant places like Mexico and my home country, Costa Rica. The impact of that initial experience has stayed with me ever since. After returning to my country, I decided to switch instruments and began my journey with the flute. Today, I not only teach the flute, but I’ve also founded my own flute orchestra with my students.
—Aurora Pinazzo, Paraguay

As a student, I had the chance to participate in many events and festivals, both in my country and abroad. These experiences were incredibly rewarding. I have beautiful memories—not only of my musical growth but also of the wonderful people I met and the lifelong friendships I formed. Events like these shape not only musicians, but people.
—Alejandra Nieto, Perú

We firmly believe in the transformative power of music and in the Suzuki Method’s capacity to nurture not only technical ability but also emotional intelligence, discipline, and empathy. Through every note, every lesson, and every shared experience, we have witnessed how music can shape lives and strengthen communities. Red Promesa Suzuki was born from that conviction and our desire to give back to the Method and the people who gave so much to us as children.
As a regional network, we understand that our challenges are complex, yet we are also aware of the strength that emerges when we work together. Collaboration, mutual respect, and friendship are at the heart of our efforts. We are not simply organizing events—we are building a foundation for sustainable growth, professional development, and cultural exchange among Suzuki teachers and students throughout Latin America and the world.
We are excited for what lies ahead. Our current and future projects are driven by a sense of purpose and a shared dream: that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, may have access to quality music education and the life-changing experiences it brings. As Dr. Shinichi Suzuki once said, “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.” This vision continues to inspire our work and reminds us that our mission goes far beyond the classroom or the stage—it is about shaping hearts and minds through music.
We invite everyone—teachers, families, institutions, and cultural organizations—to join us. Let’s continue to dream, to grow, and to transform lives through the universal language of music. Red Promesa Suzuki is more than just a network—it is a promise to the future.