MASTA Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards

MASTA Teacher of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Wendy Azrak and Gabriel Villasurda were honored as Michigan ASTA Teacher of the Year and with a Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively.

Gabriel Villasurda and Wendy Azrak were honored in January by Michigan ASTA with a Lifetime Achievement Award and Teacher of the Year, respectively.

SAA and ASTA in Michigan 

Suzuki teachers love to collaborate, and there is no greater show of that collaboration than the way that MASTA (American String Teachers Association, Michigan chapter) has supported Suzuki teachers, training, and workshops throughout the years. In fact, a number of years ago, they designated a spot on the MASTA board of directors for a Suzuki liaison.  Geri Arnold held that post until she moved, and Wendy Azrak holds it now. The Suzuki liaison helps keep MASTA abreast of events or news from SAA and helps encourage Suzuki functions in Michigan.

This past month at MASTA’s annual meeting they honored a number of studio teachers who all have a tie to SAA:

Gabriel Villasurda was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Gabe has been a Suzuki teacher here and in the UK. He is known for his clear teaching methods, especially in the schools, and his fine mentorship.

The nominees for Teacher of the Year were:

Wendy Azrak: SAA Teacher Trainer, Violin; SAA board member

Anthony Elliott: Professor at University of Michigan; conductor of Michigan Youth Symphony; SAA Conference Cello Clinician, 2008

Andrea Yun: SAA Teacher Trainer, Cello; Kaleidoscope Concert coordinator; Twinkle Tube committee chair

Wendy Azrak was given the award.