MUSPREP0038 - SUZUKI: Piano Teacher Training

Course Description

Coming Spring 2023!  Suzuki Piano Teacher Training - Unit 4.

This course is for experienced piano teachers, as well as college-level piano students, who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge of the Suzuki method.  The series of courses (Units 1-7) involves a thorough study of the books of the Suzuki Piano School.

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Unit 1:  Registrants will receive a list of required materials. Topics covered include philosophy, first lessons, parent orientation and studio business policies. Emphasis is on how basic piano technique is developed, starting with the Twinkle Variations.  Fifteen hours of studio observation are required during the course. Those who complete all requirements will be officially registered as Suzuki teachers by the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

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Unit 2:  This course is for teachers who have completed Unit 1 and wish to continue a thorough study of Book 2 of the Suzuki Piano School.  Emphasis is on how basic piano technique, musical expression, and music reading skills are developed.  Registrants must be members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. 

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Unit 3:  This course is for teachers who have completed Every Child Can and Units 1 and 2 of the Suzuki Piano School.  All registrants must be members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and be able to perform the repertoire in Suzuki Piano Book 3.  Emphasis will be on how basic piano techniques and expression are developed.

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Unit 4:  This course is for teachers who have completed Every Child Can and Units 1, 2,and 3 of the Suzuki Piano School. All registrants must be members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) and be able to perform the repertoire in Suzuki Piano Book 4. Emphasis will be on how basic piano techniques and expression are developed using upper intermediate and advanced piano repertoire.

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Piano Teaching Strategies: This is a 10 hour course designed to help teachers at all levels hone their own individual teaching skills. This course is not about “what to teach” but instead about “how to teach.”

Up to ten people are allowed to be in a class at one time. Each participant would prepare one or two videos of his/her teaching to share with the class. The videos should be up to 20 minutes long. They should consist of working with a student on a technical or musical skill within the Suzuki repertoire. As the lesson proceeds, there should be a noticeable change in the ability of the student. Teachers would be encouraged to bring videos of students that may not be particularly motivated or are struggling somehow. Online lessons are acceptable.

The videos would be viewed during the class, and all of the participants would be invited to comment positively on what transpired in the lesson. Questions would also be allowed in order to clarify what tools, methods, etc. were chosen for that lesson. The trainer, supported by the class, would offer one or two points for each teacher to work on. I view this class as an opportunity for all of the participants to share many ideas about the skill of teaching. The videos would be a spark for stimulating conversations about our individual journeys as Suzuki teachers.

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Other courses covering Units 5 through 7 are available upon request.

Those who complete all requirements will be officially registered as Suzuki teachers by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. 

Notes