SAA-Approved Long-Term

Teacher Training

This program is a two-year Suzuki pedagogy course offered in violin and cello. The program covers Suzuki Pedagogy Units 1 to 8 of the Suzuki Association of the Americas Course Syllabi as well as the Practicum Unit.

The weekly 3-hour course seminars include discussions of the history and philosophy of the Suzuki Method® and its application in the context of private and group lessons. They also explore the processes of technical and musical development through volumes 1-8 of the Suzuki repertoire as well as scales, technical exercises, studies and supplementary repertoire. The course also covers teaching strategies, childhood development, learning challenges and Body Mapping®. Course participants spend a minimum of 2 hours per week observing and writing reports on private and group lessons. These observations can be done live or online at the SSSG, through videos, and/or Suzuki lessons given by recommended Suzuki teachers. The curriculum also includes readings and written assignments. In first year, course participants are assigned to attend the private lessons of at least 1 student and practice with that student once a week. They are also a teaching assistant for one group class throughout the year. In second year, course participants are assigned to teach at least 1 beginner student under the supervision of the trainer. They also co-teach a group class throughout the year. Students from Laurier (Wilfrid Laurier University) may claim this credential as equivalent to a 1.0 credit.

  • In the fall, a first-year cohort in violin/viola will be taught by Suzuki teacher trainer Paule Barsalou and in cello by Suzuki teacher trainer David Evenchick.

    Classes be a mix of in person at Laurier’s John Aird Building and online via Zoom. For violin/viola training, Laurier students and others who live in or near Waterloo will attend in person when possible. Others may attend via Zoom but will be expected to come for periodic classes at Laurier. Cello classes will be mostly online via Zoom but in person once a month at Laurier.

  • 1. Seminar (3 hours a week)

    2. Observation (39 hours) – live or online at the SSSG, through videos, and/or Suzuki lessons given by recommended Suzuki teachers around the world.

    3. Coursework (papers and readings)

    4. Practice mentoring – Observe a selected student’s 30-minute weekly private lesson with the intent of being that student's practice mentor by the second term. The time spent observing can be counted toward required observation hours for the course. To ensure accessibility, this component may be done online.

    5. Group class Observation/TA – Observe and/or assist in a 30 or 45-minute group class on a regular basis throughout the year. The time spent observing can be counted toward required observation hours for the course. If necessary, this component may be done online to ensure accessibility.

  • 1. Seminar (3 hours a week, including Practicum)

    2. Observation (32 hours) – live or online at the SSSG, through videos, and/or Suzuki lessons given by recommended Suzuki teachers around the world.

    3. Coursework (papers and readings)

    4. Practicum: 1-2 hours a week

    · Beginner private lessons or master class (4 students/hr) periodically reviewed by the trainer.

    · Group class periodically reviewed by the trainer.

    · Each participant will be assigned a practicum partner. Practicum partners will take notes on each other’s lessons which will be discussed during the seminar each week.

    · More mature teacher taking the course can use their own students and group classes for this component of the course.

    5. Lecture Recital: This is the graduation project for 2nd year students.