Teacher Training Program
| The Suzuki teacher training program at Northern Arizona University is unique in that it is one of but a few programs in the country offering undergraduate and graduate university students the education and hands-on experience necessary in becoming a Suzuki teacher. |
Most Suzuki teacher-trainees are music majors: performance, education or both. The
training begins with an introduction to Suzuki pedagogy and music education in general.
Students are taught an overview of music history, instrument making and maintenance, child
preparation for music, differing methods of music education and much more. Included in the
curriculum requirements are observation hours of professionally taught private lessons
and observations of group lessons and recitals. Also required is 10 hours of tutoring,
needed before giving private instruction. 
The next class to be taken by teacher trainees is an in-depth study of Suzuki pedagogy.
Requirements for the class include observing private and group lessons, memorization of
the Pre-Twinkle and Book 1 songs, and two papers: a review of Dr. Suzuki’s Nurtured
By Love and a reaction to a child psychology book. Students learn about the philosophy,
receive in-depth coverage of how to begin a child on an instrument and acquire detailed
information about beginning songs, including teaching points.
Seceding classes are detailed studies of the Suzuki books. These classes
review the teaching points of each piece and cover step by step the introduction and
teaching of new techniques. In each book class, memorization of the songs is required, as
well as the teaching points and ideas pertaining to the teaching of each piece.
Observation of private lessons at the level being studied is also required.
Most students are teaching private lessons and group classes by the time they begin the study of Book Two and beyond.
For information regarding the Bachelor of Music in Performance and/or Education, Master of Music with a Suzuki Violin Pedagogy Emphasis contact:
Dr. Louise Scott
Northern Arizona University
BOX 6040
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
(520) 523-3879