Suzuki teacher training for recorder teachers

In January 2023, a new Suzuki level 1 course will start for recorder teachers who want to know more about the method, the application and the specifics of a Suzuki learning environment. After obtaining the level 1 diploma, a teacher may start teaching according to the Suzuki method.

Suzuki teachers are trained to guide children from the age of three or four in their musical growth through a positive and supportive approach. This approach also has a major positive impact on the social and emotional growth of the child.

The Training
The complete Suzuki training has five levels. It is not mandatory to do all levels. After passing the level 1 exam you are a recognized Suzuki teacher in all countries that are members of the European Suzuki Association (ESA).

Each level takes at least one year to complete, but you can take longer. Such a level consists of three weekends spread over the year and biweekly online sessions of an hour or two during the year. In addition, it is mandatory to participate in a Suzuki workshop. Each level is concluded with an exam.

Details of the level 1 course

• An audition and an intake interview are required to participate. The audition consists of two contrasting parts from Handel sonatas and a piece of your choice. This may be recorded on video and does not have to be played from memory.
• Each trainee must have completed a conservatory training in recorder or be able to demonstrate a comparable level in playing and music education.
• Before the course begins, each course participant must be registered as a B3 member with his or her national Suzuki association.
• Participating in a Suzuki workshop is part of the course. For example, there is a workshop in the Netherlands (Biezenmortel, North Brabant) on the weekend of 21-23 April 2023 and there is the `Flute and Recorder Summer School` in Great Malvern, England from 2-6 August 2023.
• The price of the course is € 1250. That is excluding travel costs, accommodation, costs for observation Suzuki workshop, food and personal expenses. Depending on the number of participants, an additional fee may be charged for the exam.
• Supplies:
  • sheet music and CDs (available at www.suzukiwinkel.nl/home/english/):
    • Suzuki Soprano Recorder, Soprano Part, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
    • Suzuki Soprano Recorder, Accompaniment Part, Vol. 1 and Vol 2
    • CD Soprano Recorder Vol. 1 & 2 (or mp3s via iTunes Store)
    • Suzuki Alto Recorder, Alto Part, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
    • Suzuki Alto Recorder, Accompaniment Part, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
    • CD Alto Recorder Vol. 1 & 2 (or mp3's via iTunes Store)
  • books:
  • `Nurtured by Love` - Shinichi Suzuki (available at www.suzukiwinkel.nl/home/english/, among others)
  • `Ability Development from Age Zero` - Shinichi Suzuki (available at www.suzukiwinkel.nl/home/english/, among others)
  • a soprano and alto recorder
  • and, of course, writing utensils and a notebook or laptop/tablet

  
  Data
  The course comprises:

  • three live weekend gatherings at music school Breukelen (Schepersweg 6b) on 14/15 January, 1/2 July and 16/17 December. Time: 9.30am to 5.30pm.
  • biweekly online sessions from 9.00-11.00 (in principle on Wednesday, but if a majority prefers another day, it can also be on Monday, Thursday or Friday). Provisional dates in 2023: Wednesday 25 Jan., 15 Feb., 8 and 22 Mar., 12 and 26 Apr., 10 and 24 May, 7 and 21 June, 6 and 20 Sep., 4 and 18 Oct., 1, 15 and 29 Nov.
  • The exam date will be determined at a later date.

  
  What will I learn in the course?
  In the level 1 course, time has first been set aside for `Suzuki philosophy`: the _bckgr_s and origins of Suzuki's approach. You will learn about his pedagogical and didactic approach and how the parent(s) are involved in their child's learning process. You master the repertoire from book 1 to half way through book 2 - 40 bits and pieces - and learn it by heart. Book 1 mainly contains (surprising) children's songs and traditionals, from book 2 music from the classical (recorder) repertoire is used.
  
  During the course you will gain practical experience in teaching the Suzuki way and receive feedback on this. In addition, you observe other Suzuki teachers for between 20 and 40 hours, preferably in the level you are doing. This offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced teachers.
  You will receive guidelines on how to embed the Suzuki method in your teaching practice.
  
  The Recorder Teacher Training has been set up according to the guidelines of the European Suzuki Association. In order to take the ESA level exams and be recognized as a Suzuki instructor, a trainee must complete the ESA training syllabus.
  
  If you have any questions or want to register, please contact contact.