Ask the Experts

June 10, 2011 by Karen-Michele Kimmett

What are the goals or plans for strategic development or promotion of the Suzuki Method for Canada? Quebec? Rural communities? Academic communities? The SAA keeps an ongoing dialogue with its Canadian teacher trainers as well as with member teachers. Last May… Read more ▶

April 11, 2011 by Sarah Bylander Montzka

Patience. Generosity. Empathy. Determination. Joyfulness. Problem-solving skills. Kindness. Dependability. Creativity. Attentiveness. Flexibility. Resourcefulness. A lifelong love of learning… These are just some of the character qualities that can be shaped through study of a musical instrument. Dr. Suzuki emphasized developing “good… Read more ▶

March 11, 2011 by Pam Brasch

Why do we have an appointed board and not an elected board? The Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) does not have an appointed board as you suggest. Our by-laws state that, “At least two of the vacancies created by the… Read more ▶

February 8, 2011 by Ellen Berry

What is the purpose of the SAA “focus group” meeting at Institutes? The SAA is a huge organization with about 8,000 members in North, Central, South America, and beyond. While the membership consists primarily of Suzuki teachers, it also includes parents,… Read more ▶

January 11, 2011

In this issue: Parents as Partners Online Suzuki Community Mourns the Loss of Leader and Mentor, John Kendall SAA Board Corner SAA: A Communication Center Why the SAA? 2011 Summer Institutes Newsletter Naming Contest Winner Thanking Our Lucky Stars Ask the Experts 19 & 20 Upcoming SPA Courses Calling all teachers… Read more ▶

January 11, 2011 by Dan Browning

Can you give advice on marketing for newer teachers trying to build a program or studio? Marketing your new studio or music program is similar to marketing any other business that focuses on personal and professional services. In essence, you are… Read more ▶

January 10, 2011 by Susan Baer

How can SAA raise awareness about the association? In order to answer this question, I think it is necessary to make two clarifications. First of all, the SAA is its membership. Secondly, I think recognition of the SAA as an organization… Read more ▶

December 13, 2010 by MaryLou Roberts

How can the SAA help increase the racial and ethnic diversity of students and teachers attending institutes and conferences? Diversity begins in the studio of each teacher. Encouraging families that are less fortunate or with different cultural backgrounds can be handled… Read more ▶

December 6, 2010 by MaryLou Roberts

How can the SAA help us to create a community in our home programs primarily among teachers? One of the most wonderful features among Suzuki teachers is the sense of community. I am always received positively by the teachers I meet… Read more ▶

November 15, 2010 by Susan Baer

How can the SAA connect teachers with grant-writing classes to find funding? How does one go about finding philanthropic sources? Grant writing is an art. But just like playing a musical instrument, anybody can do it if they are willing… Read more ▶

October 18, 2010 by MaryLou Roberts

In this troubled economy, how can teachers be expected to afford the high cost of teacher training? Every business expects to re-invest some of the profits back into that business. The percentage can vary, from 10% to 50%, with newer businesses… Read more ▶

February 16, 2010

In this issue: Conference: International Ensembles Groups Sessions, Concerts & Sponsors Suzuki Principles in Action SAA Annual General Membership Meeting Board Ballots More ask the Experts, parts 12-14 Emails about Institutes Edmonton Suzuki Flute and Recorder Society International Ensembles Allegro!!! String Performance Ensemble Edward Kreitman, Director The Allegro!!! Show is a multimedia presentation… Read more ▶

February 16, 2010 by Kathleen Spring

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 14th installment. How can teachers train less involved parents to be more committed to the Suzuki Method? I believe… Read more ▶

February 9, 2010 by Richard Lohmann

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 13th installment. What are some strategies for remedial teaching that would avoid the student feeling a sense of… Read more ▶

January 20, 2010 by Ronda Cole

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 12th installment. When and how do we start teaching musicianship and not just performance skills? This question deserves a… Read more ▶

January 13, 2010 by Carol Ourada

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 11th installment. How do you balance family life and the Suzuki method, from the busy life and extra… Read more ▶

December 8, 2009

In this issue: Celebrating Excellence 2009 CD Ask the Experts, parts 6-10 Member Demographics ISA Violin Committee Report on Book Revisions 4 More New Institutes Conference: Keynote Speakers A “Masterclass” for Graduate and Doctoral Researchers? Conference Sponsorship, Exhibiting, and Advertising Opportunities Celebrating Excellence 2009 CD Celebrating Excellence 2009 features musicians who… Read more ▶

December 3, 2009 by Elizabeth Stuen-Walker

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 10th installment. Should you use the same bowings for both violin and viola especially when leading or teaching… Read more ▶

November 30, 2009 by Ellen Berry

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 9th installment. What is the long-term teaching goal for all students? In Nurtured by Love, Dr. Suzuki says: “I… Read more ▶

November 23, 2009 by Teri Einfeldt

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 8th installment. What are good ways to keep students involved through Junior and Senior High? This is such a… Read more ▶

November 20, 2009 by Doris Preucil, William Preucil

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the seventh installment. When a student decides to pursue music professionally, how do you nurture them to uphold Suzuki’s… Read more ▶

November 16, 2009 by Edmund Sprunger

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 6th installment, on practicing and psychological development. What are some ways to make practicing more interesting? I’m certainly not… Read more ▶

November 10, 2009 by David Madsen

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the fifth installment. How can we maintain the joy of playing guitar without weighing the student down with technique? The… Read more ▶

November 4, 2009 by Ruth Engle Larner

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the fourth installment. How do you arrange for someone in the community to mentor a new teacher? While there is… Read more ▶

November 2, 2009 by Daphne Hughes

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the third installment. Living in an area with no strings, how do I get parents to commit to coming… Read more ▶

October 26, 2009 by Susan Baer

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. Here is the second installment. Does SAA have any written materials free for members that outline all business aspects of starting… Read more ▶

October 19, 2009 by Marilyn O'Boyle

Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. Here are the first two: How do we help our students learn to read music without deterioration of their technique? First of… Read more ▶