Violin

May 15, 2024

View the report to the world-wide community of Suzuki Violin teachers containing the latest news on the International Edition of the Suzuki Violin School. Read more ▶

February 23, 2022

The International Suzuki Association, in conjunction with Alfred Music, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated recordings of the Suzuki Violin School, Volumes 4–6 by internationally renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich in collaboration with pianist Kuang-Hao Huang. Read more ▶

July 27, 2020

The International Suzuki Association, in conjunction with Alfred Music, is pleased to announce the highly anticipated recordings of the Suzuki Violin School, Volumes 1–3 by internationally renowned violinist, Hilary Hahn in collaboration with pianist Natalie Zhu. The new recordings and the… Read more ▶

June 23, 2020

The new Suzuki violin recordings (Volumes 1-3) by internationally renowned violinist, Hilary Hahn, in collaboration with Natalie Zhu, will be released in July of 2020! The new recordings will replace all existing ones associated with the Suzuki Violin School International… Read more ▶

February 5, 2020

Alfred Music Releases New Suzuki Violin Recordings by Hilary Hahn Read more ▶

December 19, 2018 by Cecilia Dayana Rosales Prieto

Santiago de Cuba es una ciudad conocida por su rica historia y sus influencias culturales distintivas. Ubicada al suroriente de Cuba, la Capital del Caribe como también se le conoce, es una urbe ecléctica, con más de cinco siglos de… Read more ▶

December 19, 2018 by Cecilia Dayana Rosales Prieto

Santiago de Cuba is a city known for its rich history and its distinctive cultural influence. Located in southeast Cuba, with more than five centuries since its founding, this eclectic city is known as the “capital of the Caribbean.” A musical… Read more ▶

September 13, 2018

from the SAA Violin Committee Establishing a rich musical environment through listening is a cornerstone of the Suzuki approach and an all-important component of the “Language Learning Analogy.” Listening repetitively to fine performances creates a palette of musical concepts and ideas… Read more ▶

September 25, 2018

The 2018 SAA Conference was a huge success. Thank you to all presenters, participants, and organizers! Here are a few videos to give you a flavor or a reminder of the weekend. Koen Rens’ masterful keynote speech, “Suzuki Music Education: The Power… Read more ▶

March 9, 2018 by Marta Hernandez, Irene Mitchell

Many members of the SAA have been in close contact with Suzuki teacher colleagues in Puerto Rico since the devastating hurricane in September 2017, providing moral and monetary support.[i] Despite formidable odds against them, the Asociación Suzuki de Violin de… Read more ▶

February 2, 2018 by Janis Wittrig

Attendees at the upcoming 2018 SAA Conference will have the pleasure and privilege of meeting and observing renowned Canadian violinist Martin Beaver, who will be conducting a violin masterclass. Martin was first violin of the world-renowned Tokyo String Quartet from June… Read more ▶

November 1, 2016 by Ellen Kogut

Introduction Left hand balance, or the natural and efficient distribution of weight among the fingers, is an important element of string playing. It contributes to comfort, facility, and consistency of intonation. It is also essential to proper form for extensions and… Read more ▶

September 15, 2016 by Libby Felts

One of my favorite definitions of art comes from Eric Booth’s address to 2012 graduates of the New England Conservatory: “Inherent in the artistic experience is the capacity to expand our sense of the way the world is or might be.… Read more ▶

November 14, 2015 by Mark George

Among the many delights to be had at the upcoming SAA Conference in Minneapolis is a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra with violin soloist Erin Keefe. The New York Times called Erin Keefe “an impressive violin soloist,” but that is… Read more ▶

December 17, 2013 by Beth Titterington

June 5, 1915—November 27, 2013 Read more ▶

September 20, 2013

Greetings fellow violin teachers! Violin Student Master Classes I am happy to announce that the 2014 SAA Conference will feature a master class opportunity for students playing pieces from the suggested supplemental repertoire list for Suzuki Violin levels 6, 7 and 8, in… Read more ▶

June 24, 2013

The SAA Violin Committee is excited to report that the Revised Book 6 of the Suzuki Violin School is finally in print. Included in the mailing of the next SAA Journal is a list of Suggested Repertoire for Books 6,… Read more ▶

May 21, 2013

In this issue: 2014 Conference Dates: May 22-26 in Minneapolis Suggested Supplementary Repertoire for Revised Violin Books 6-8 Suzuki Violin School Book Revisions Update Minijournal Cover Contest Winners 2014 Conference Dates: May 22-26 Plans are underway to make the SAA 2014 Conference, “Powered by Community,” a… Read more ▶

May 21, 2013

The Revised Book 6 of the Suzuki Violin School and Piano Accompaniment are finally here! While there was some delay in getting the revised Book 6 to press, the ISA Violin Committee felt the book should be thoroughly prepared before… Read more ▶

March 6, 2013

Nurtured by Love Revised Edition is now available from your local retailer and from the SAA online store. The revised edition for Suzuki Violin School Volume 6 will be in stores in early March. Read more ▶

January 25, 2013

We are very excited to let you know that this summer Suzuki recordings will become available at Alfred.com/downloads, and eventually on iTunes and Amazon. Read more ▶

January 17, 2013 by Susan Baer

Have you ever imagined what the horse that donated its tail for your bow hair looks like? Where does it live? Is it a mare or a stallion? Here are some interesting facts that might help you get to know your horse. Read more ▶

December 19, 2012 by James Hutchins

The Perpetual Motion Suzuki Strings were honored to perform Christmas, Hanukkah and Suzuki pieces in the Capitol building rotunda for the State House by Candlelight concert. Read more ▶

December 14, 2012 by Jessica Wong

My nine-year-old daughter, Natalie, and I attended the Hartt Suzuki Institute this summer for the first time. What a rewarding experience it was for both of us! Intense, but also intensely FUN. And nothing short of transformational. Read more ▶

December 14, 2012

The SAA Violin Committee is excited to report that the revised Book 6 of the Suzuki Violin School is finally on its way! Alfred Publishing is expecting Book 6 to be ready for printing in January 2013. Read more ▶

November 8, 2012 by Susan Baer

Sometimes determining the credible identity of an instrument’s maker can seem like the plot of a detective novel full of intrigue and deception. In an age where scientific advancements are making it possible to solve crimes of yore through DNA testing, similar discoveries are taking place in the world of stringed instruments. Read more ▶

September 18, 2012 by Susan Baer

Embarking on the journey to mastery of a stringed instrument requires a certain degree of courage, even when starting firmly entrenched in the belief that every child can. Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Susan Baer

A Kaleidoscope of Talent One of the highlights of the 2012 SAA Conference was the Kaleidoscope Concert. Just as the name suggests, the concert provided a colorful and diverse display of children of various ages, on a variety of instruments, and representing… Read more ▶

September 1, 2012 by Susan Baer

The conference sessions for violinists provided a menu of irresistible treats. There were so many intriguing titles that it was impossible to see everything on my list of top picks. On the flip side, no one complained of opting to… Read more ▶

May 1, 2012

A pioneer 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… Read more ▶

May 1, 2012 by Libby Felts, Nicolas Kendall

I spoke with Nick (grandson of American Suzuki pioneer John Kendall) as he was preparing for Time for Three’s March 8 debut at Carnegie Hall as soloists with the Boston Pops Orchestra. Read more ▶

March 21, 2012 by Richard Moss, M.D.

I watched with my wife and three children from the pews of the old church in the small village of Dale, Indiana, a stately but modest wooden structure with a steeple, painted in white, on a quiet street, like a post card. My daughter, Arielle, eighteen years old, was readying herself for what would be her final recital as a member of “Strings,” the Suzuki organization of teachers, parents, and young students that is and has been the center of the violin universe in the area. Read more ▶

October 31, 2011

The 2012 Conference Team is excited to announce very special guest performers for the 15th Biennial Conference, 40 and Forward. Time for Three (Nicolas Kendall, Ranaan Meyer, Zachary DePue) will be the featured performers at the SAA conference on Sunday… Read more ▶

September 27, 2011

The Minnesota Orchestra announced Thursday the appointment of American violinist Erin Keefe, 31, as concertmaster. Keefe was a Suzuki student of SAA violin teacher and teacher trainer Teri Einfeldt for eight years. The announcement praised Erin’s “depth, refinement, and exquisite… Read more ▶

September 21, 2011

Group Lessons for Suzuki Violin and Viola By Carolyn McCall Book, 84 pages, $12.95 Group lesson ideas for violin and viola, organized by book level and technique/skill. Focus on Suzuki Piano: Creative and Effective Ideas for Teachers and Parents By Mary Craig Powell Book, 76 pages,… Read more ▶

September 15, 2011

The SAA would like to welcome five new Teacher Trainers: Amy Matherly Charlton, MA Violin Nightingale Chen Powell, OH Piano Priscilla Jones Bainbridge Island, WA Cello Sharon Jones London, ON Suzuki Early Childhood Education Haukur Hannesson Uppsala, Sweden Cello ESA Level V Trainer, added to SAA Registry We look forward to their service in this new and… Read more ▶

August 26, 2011

SAA Board of Directors Chair Dr. Mark George appeared with students of the Music Institute of Chicago on Windy City Live on Thursday, August 25. The performance can be seen here: http://windycitylive.com/episodes/Learning-with-the-Suzuki-Method/8326125 Read more ▶

August 11, 2011 by Sara Kuhns

It is dusty. There is a strong smell of pine coming from the rosin lying next to me. My velvet blanket covers me as I wait for my owner to take me out of this dark, musty coffin. Read more ▶

August 11, 2011 by Kennedy Munn

If my violin could speak it would say, “My Kennedy you make lovely music when you focus and play. When my strings are in tune with rosin on my bow, I’m ready to perform with you at your recital show. Please be gentle and try not to… Read more ▶

August 11, 2011 by Jentry Barrett

The title of Kay Collier Sloan’s fantastic book They’re Rarely Too Young and Never Too Old to Twinkle was put to the test in January 2009. I was working as an administrative assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of… Read more ▶

August 5, 2011

With sadness we are sharing the news that Louise Behrend passed away August 3, 2011. In the fall a memorial concert will be planned by the 40-year-old music school Miss Behrend founded, The School for Strings in New York. We will… Read more ▶

May 25, 2011 by Andrew Blankenship, Benjamin Blankenship, Jennifer Blankenship

With help from their mother, Jennifer Blankenship, Suzuki piano students and brothers Andrew and Benjamin Blankenship reviewed the newest release from children’s book author Mayra Calvani, *Frederico, the Mouse Violinist*, a charming and educational story about a mouse who lives in Antonio Stradivari’s workshop. Read more ▶

March 25, 2011

John D. Kendall August 30, 1917 – January 6, 2011 John Kendall, 93, a violin pedagogue widely known for his role in introducing the Suzuki method of music education in the United States, died at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on… Read more ▶

January 7, 2011

Mr. John Kendall passed away on January 6, 2011 at the age of 93. John’s life’s work as an educator has influenced thousands of students and teachers. The SAA will forever be grateful to him for his contribution to music… Read more ▶

December 17, 2010 by Lisa Toner

My interest in getting students to practice effectively was born in 2006 when I was an undergraduate and new studio teacher. Read more ▶

October 4, 2010

The SAA would like to welcome three new Teacher Trainers: Blake Brasch Cello Mount Prospect, IL Timothy Durbin Violin Carlisle, KY Sarah Salz Piano Miami, FL We look forward to their service in this new and important capacity. Looking for a Trainer? Search for Teacher Trainers by instrument or location. 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 ▶

November 13, 2009

The SAA would like to welcome three new Teacher Trainers:Mary Hofer Voice Stevens Point, WIJoseph Pecoraro Guitar Winston-Salem, NC James Hutchins Violin Silver Spring, MD These Trainer Candidates completed the final steps in the approval process following the ISA Teacher Trainer Conference in Boston last month. We look… Read more ▶

June 1, 2009 by Ann Montzka Smelser

“Tone has a living soul without form.” When I traveled to Matsumoto, Japan, in 1986 to study with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, I packed so much music in my head and in my violin case. I was only to be there for… Read more ▶

June 1, 2009 by Hannah Frey

“Tone has a living soul without form.” We have all heard this quote by Dr. Suzuki, but what does it mean? Think of an electronic keyboard, one that has many different instrument settings. Have you listened to the violin setting? A keyboard… Read more ▶

March 16, 2009

Virtual Leadership Retreat—Register Now!The April Virtual Leadership Retreat is fast approaching. The kick-off event will be the LIVE Annual Meeting video webcast and chat on April 4th at 3:30pm Pacific time, which will be open to all members. Other VLR-only… Read more ▶

September 5, 2008

Video about the New Violin Books View a video of the SAA Violin Committee’s presentation on the revised Suzuki violin books from the 2008 Conference. Read more Video about the New Piano Books Mary Craig Powell and E.L. Lancaster discuss the improvements and changes… Read more ▶

June 1, 2008 by Alvaro Soltero

On my fifth birthday my sister came home with a violin. That was how it all started. This is how I came to know Martin Goldman. This is how I came to know the violin. At first, I hated it.… Read more ▶

March 5, 2008 by Teri Einfeldt, Joseph Silverstein

What projects are you involved with at the moment? At the moment I am actively involved guest conducting, soloing, playing chamber music, teaching, and just enjoying music as much as ever being an amateur in the very best sense of the… Read more ▶

January 25, 2008

Edmund Sprunger is giving a workshop on violin group class teaching on February 10 at Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Please see the event page for more information and a registration form. Read more ▶

December 31, 2007 by Shoji Tabuchi, Beth Titterington

What projects are you involved with at the moment? I am currently recording two new CDs. The target date for the release of the first one is the first of September with, hopefully, the second one to follow soon thereafter. I… Read more ▶

December 13, 2007

Violin/Viola Practicum, The Hartt School, CT Flute Book 5, Brookline Music School, MA Flute Book 2 and 4, Music Institute of Chicago, IL Read more ▶

June 4, 2007

Music in the Mountains Suzuki Institute is adding 2 practicum courses, violin and guitar, June 22-26. Enrollment is limited. Email Nan Freeman at [javascript protected email address] if you are interested. Read more ▶

May 1, 2007 by Pat D'Ercole

“The American Suzuki Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: The Suzuki Method in Action” The American Suzuki Institute, the International Suzuki Association and the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Committee is proud to announce that 24 hours of video of… Read more ▶