NZSI 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.

< back to top

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.

< back to top

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)

< back to top

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
Market Road
Auckland

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.


< back to top

NZSI Teacher Training Courses 2008-9

Violin - Unit 1A -  Level One, 10 -  13 July, 2008 -  Auckland Branch
Workshop - Auckland 

Piano - Unit 1B - Level One, 26 - 28 September, 2008 - Auckland
Guitar - Unit 1A and Unit 1B - Level One, 28 September - 2 October, 2008 - Wellington Spring Workshop
Piano and Violin -  Unit 1A - Level One, 2 - 5 October, 2008 - Bay of Plenty Spring Workshop
Violin Unit 1B Masterton Summer Camp 14-19 January, 2009

Violin Unit 1B, Violin Unit 3 and Piano Unit 2 at Willow Park  7 - 12 January 2009

All courses are dependent on a minimum enrolment for more information email NZSI Director of Teacher training. Email ssttdir@pl.net

Courses are mainly offered at summer camps and school holiday workshops at various locations in the North and South Island. 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 $275.00 and $320.00. In some circumstances one to one teacher training may be available on a set fee per hour basis. 

Introductory Suzuki Teacher Training Course for Teenagers

South Island Winter Workshop 6-9 July, 2008
Contact Kerry Langdon for information Email: teacherkerry@gmail.com

Private Training with NZSI Registered Teacher Trainers

Cello Level Four Advanced Unit Bay of Plenty Workshop 2-5 October, 2008 
Contact Sally-Anne Brown for information Email:  real-entertainment@xtra.co.nz

< back to top

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.

Assessment Application Form

NZSI Policy for accrediting teacher training courses taken overseas: policy | form (pdf)

< back to top

Teacher Training Programme Documents (download in PDF format)