Teacher Training 2025

Teacher training will begin again in September 2025. Each level takes approximately 12-18 months before the Examination can be taken. Each level must be taken in order, and no two levels are allowed to be taken simultaneously. Please check the European Suzuki Association for further info.

Suzuki Teacher Training

The mother tongue method, otherwise known as the Suzuki Method (TM) is based on the assumption that because every child can learn their native language and easily become an expert, so to can they master a musical instrument.

In order to realise this potential, some basic foundations are necessary, - Learning by ear forms the foundation of this process -this doesn't insinuate that we don't learn to read music, just we wait until the child has enough mastery at the instrument to be ready to read and it is beneficial to their musical development. Secondly the general musical environment of the child at home plays a major role.Parents play an integral part in this process of creating a loving and musical environment in the home.
Last but not least, The Suzuki Approach promotes character before ability, and this is what really enables the principle of "Every Child Can".
The Suzuki pedagogical programme is aimed at musicians with a completed professional qualification (bachelor's degree, teaching diploma or similar) who are interested in taking on new ways of teaching young children, and exploring their own sound world and creation of tone.

Suzuki Teacher Training Course Overview

The training program covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

Suzuki Repertoire Mastery – Learning and memorizing the full repertoire
Technical & Musical Development – Mastering skills progressively by piece, book, and level
Philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki – A deep exploration of his educational approach
Individual Lessons – Focused guidance on technique, tone production, and sound quality
Core Teaching Principles – Insights into developmental psychology, motor skills, and the teacher-student-parent dynamic
Hands-on Experience – Observation, supervised teaching, and group lesson practice

Training Dates for 25/26

The training is structured into five levels, each concluding with an ESA (European Suzuki Association) certification exam. Please read the European Suzuki Associations page for more information

https://www.europeansuzuki.org/esa/ttexamappointments-manuals/

The next course in Zurich starts in September 2025:

-> 13/14 September 2025
-> 1/2 November 2025 (Workshop in Uitikon with Caroline Fraser)
-> 17/18 January 2026
-> 28 February 1 March 2026
-> 9/10 May 2026

Plus one additional weekend -tbd

Cost: 1650 Chf for the coursework, plus 200-300 chf for Examination.
Extra Individual Dates as needed will be discussed with the Trainer.

Auditions

Apart from an in person interview, each potential Trainee needs to perform 2 contrasting pieces from the advanced Suzuki repertoire. 1 piece from Book 7 and another contrasting piece of the candidates choice. This may be performed live or pre recorded. This is the mandatory ESA recommendation for being accepted into the Suzuki method pedagogical program. For further information or to book an appointment to audition simply be in touch with Michelle. Kiwipianist@gmail.com