Teacher Training Opportunities

What is the NZSI teacher training programme?

The NZSI Teacher Training Programme is a comprehensive study of the Suzuki volumes of music for each instrument. Through this study a deep understanding of Suzuki's philosophy is developed including the application of the philosophy to the teaching of beginners through advanced students. In addition, many areas of practical information are explored e.g. working with parents, setting up a studio, teaching music reading, teaching supplementary literature and working in groups.

Who is the NZSI teacher training programme for?

Skilled, well-trained musicians who enjoy working with children and their parents and who have basic understanding of the philosophy and can empathize with the importance of:

beginning early
postponing music reading until readiness is established by teacher and parent
listening to recordings
following the Suzuki repertory sequence
offering private lessons plus group classes
training parents to be teachers at home
depending on cooperation, not competition for motivation

Also, a level of commitment is required to see through the completion of the training programme.

Reasons (benefits) for becoming a Suzuki teacher

There is a high demand for Suzuki tuition and the Suzuki method offers a unique community in which to develop professionally and musically as a teacher. Levels of professional support and interchange are high, particularly for those teachers who involve themselves fully in branch and national activities such as group lessons, workshops and camps. Suzuki teachers have an open door policy and share ideas readily with one another. This makes for a powerful learning community.

NZSI Teacher Training Programme Introduction

The NZSI Teacher Training Programme is designed for practising teachers and advanced musicians 18 years and over interested in becoming Suzuki teachers. The training programme covers 4 Levels broken down into units of training. Most units correspond to the Suzuki repertoire book to which it refers. Currently, in New Zealand, Suzuki training is available in piano, violin, cello, flute and guitar.

Each unit consists of a minimum of 16 hours of lectures, discussions, training and teaching practice plus 8 hours of observation of specified Suzuki teaching, which must be fully documented by the trainee. The importance and timing of the teaching of reading, plus other aspects of musicianship will also be an integral part of the training programme. Additional written work, reading and an increasing performance ability is required at each Level. It is often recommended that trainees will also take private lessons from a recognised teacher during the course.

Entry level playing requirements as follows:

Piano - Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Piano Book Seven.
Violin - Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Violin Book Seven.
Cello - Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Cello Book Eight.
Flute - Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Flute Book Seven.
Guitar - Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Guitar Book Seven.

Examinations are not offered, but an assessment may be taken for each of the 4 Levels.

An introductory training course for teenagers with an associated mentor scheme is available for advanced Suzuki students in Year 11-13. Email NZSI Director of Teacher Training for information at ssttdir@pl.net. More info (pdf)

How to Enroll in the NZSI Teacher Training Programme

1A. Complete the NZSI Teacher Training Enrollment Form (PDF).
1B. Provide a short curriculum vitae detailing musical training and experience and other relevant educational or teaching experience and activities.
1C. Payment of a registration fee of $25.00 (non-refundable) is required. Your cheque should be made payable to NZSI.

Send ALL of the above to:

NZSI Director of Teacher Training
PO Box 74092
Greenlane
Auckland 1546

2. Read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki, Exposition Press.

3. Upon receipt of your curriculum vitae, application form and registration fee, you can expect to be interviewed by an appropriate NZSI Teacher Trainer. This will be organized by the Director of Teacher Training and will be either by telephone or in person.

4. You will be required to provide a video audition tape of your most recent playing. Details of what will be required on the audition tape will be advised during the interview. In some cases this requirement may be waived.

When you have completed the enrolment process including the audition, you will be notified of training opportunities as they arise. At the commencement of your training you will be required to become a Teacher Member of the NZSI.

The Plan for NZSI Teacher Training Courses October 2011 - October 2013

Over the years, the NZSI Teacher membership has asked repeatedly for advance notice of training course opportunities.
In November 2010, the NZSI Teacher Trainer group took responsibility for responding to these requests. A teacher survey was conducted and the information gathered was used by the NZSI Professional Advisory Group (PAG) to devise a two year plan of training courses.

NZSI is committed to this plan and all courses will run subject to:
1. Branch confirmation of the location.
2. Teacher Trainer availability.
3. Minimum enrolment of three participants.

A PDF for each instrument listing the courses by Unit of training is available. Information and enrolment forms will be added as soon as the details of the course have been determined.

Training by Unit for Flute
Training by Unit for Guitar
Training by Unit for Piano
Training by Unit for Violin

The following list is an overview of the plan. Training courses for Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy, Flute, Guitar, Piano and Violin are listed chronologically by location. Please note: Cello training will be organized on a private basis and will be listed under Private Training with NZSI Registered Teacher Trainer.

OVERVIEW of NZSI Teacher Training Courses being offered 2011 - 2013

Wellington - Marsden College 8 - 12 October 2011
Unit 2 Piano Teacher Training(Completed)

Auckland - St. Cuthbert's College
3:00 - 5:00pm Saturday 5 November 2011Assessment Readiness Session (Completed)

Auckland and Willow Park 6 - 8 January 2012
Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy Click here for enrolment form
Flute Unit 1A (postponed - date to be announced)
Piano Unit 1A Click here for enrolment form (Receive $50.00 discount if you also enrol in Piano Unit 1B at Willow Park 2012)
Violin Unit 1A Click here for enrolment form

Willow Park 8 - 13 January 2012
Flute Unit 3 Click here for enrolment form
Guitar Unit 2 This unit of training has been postponed until July 2012.
Piano Unit 1B Click here for enrolment form Receive $50.00 discount if you also enrol in Piano Unit 1A, January 6-8, 2012.
Piano Unit 2 Click here for enrolment form
Violin Unit 3 Click here for enolment form

Auckland 14 - 16 January 2012
Piano Unit 7/Advanced Repertoire Click here for enrolment form

Rotorua 12 - 17 January 2012
Violin Unit 6 Click here for enrolment form

Oamaru 17 - 22 January 2012
Flute Unit 1B postponed -date to be announced
Piano Unit 3 postponed - date to be announced
Violin Unit 4 postponed - date to be announced

Masterton 18 - 23 January 2012
Violin Unit 1B Click here for enrolment form
Violin Unit 7 Click here for enrolment form

Napier 13 - 15 April 2012
Violin Unit 2

Christchurch July 2012
Violin Unit 6

Auckland July 2012
Piano Unit 2
Piano Unit 4
Violin Unit 1B

Wellington September 2012
Piano Unit 5
Violin Unit 4

Location to be determined - September 2012
Violin - Mozart Concerti Unit

Auckland December 2012
Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy
Piano Unit 1A
Violin Unit 1A

Willow Park January 2013
Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy
Flute Unit 4
Guitar Unit 1A
Guitar Unit 7
Piano Unit 1B
Piano Unit 3
Violin Unit 1B

Rotorua January 2013
Violin Unit 2
Violin Unit 5

Oamaru January 2013
Flute Unit 2
Guitar Unit 3
Piano Unit 4
Violin Unit 3

Masterton January 2013
Violin Unit 8

Christchurch July 2013
Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy
Piano Unit 1A
Violin Unit 1A

Hamilton July 2013
Violin Unit 4
Violin Unit 7

Wellington September 2013
Piano Unit 1B
Violin Unit 2

Rotorua October 2013
Guitar Unit 4

Auckland October 2013
Introduction to Suzuki Philosophy
Guitar Unit 1B
Flute Unit 1A
Piano Unit 2
Piano Unit 6
Violin Unit 3

The cost for a unit of training, consisting of a minimum of 16 hours course work and 8 hours observation varies with instrument and location but is usually between $350.00 and $375.00. In some circumstances one to one teacher training may be available on a set fee per hour basis. For more information email NZSI Director of Teacher Training, Email ssttdir@pl.net

Introductory Suzuki Teacher Training Course for Teenagers

Private Training with NZSI Registered Teacher Trainer

Assessments.

There are four levels of assessments in the NZSI teacher training programme.

Assessments at each level involve 3 parts: performance, teaching, discussion and written work.

The format for Level One Assessments (Suzuki Books One, including Units 1A and 1B and Two) is as follows:

1. Give a short recital (approximately 15 minutes) of pieces from Books One and Two, including in each case the Twinkle Variations and the Books' graduation pieces. This recital is to be performed by memory.

2. A 15-minute lesson is to be taught to a student in Book One or Book Two.

3. A discussion of the Suzuki philosophy and the key teaching points as they relate to Level One. Also, you will submit all of your written work (teaching points, essay and documented observations) for Level One.

The assessment by two NZSI Teacher Trainers will take approximately one hour and costs $225.00 (GST incl).

Assessments are held mainly at summer camps and school holiday workshops at various locations in the North and South Island. There are two dates for applying for assessments: May 15 and October 15. Assessments applied for by the 15 May deadline will be scheduled July - September. Assessments applied for by the 15 October will be held December - April. All unfinished written work and observation hours must be completed before applying.