Introduction
The Suzuki Talent Education Association of Australia (Vic.) Inc. (trading as Suzuki
Music) offers teacher accreditation at three levels: Primary, Intermediate and
Advanced. The courses of study are presented by highly qualified and experienced
teachers dedicated to the Suzuki philosophy and methodology.
The courses are designed for advanced students to experienced teachers, and lead
to an accreditation certificate from Suzuki Music, which is endorsed by Talent
Education, Japan. The training courses are part-time programs commencing at the
beginning of the academic year. After successfully completing all requirements of
the appropriate level, teachers are awarded the respective accreditation
qualifications.
Before commencing study at each level, it is necessary to register through the Suzuki
Music office. Each level of accreditation must be passed before proceeding to the
next. The maximum period allowed for completion of any one level is 3 years. The
minimum period for a new Primary Trainee to attain Advanced accreditation is 3
years. If, for any reason, training is interrupted, further refresher tasks are to be
undertaken.
Trainees are required to join Suzuki Music as Associate members. Associate members
attain full Teacher member status upon graduation at Primary Level. Teacher
membership carries with it the right to vote as a teacher at general meetings of the
Association, the right to enter students for graduation* and listing in the directory of
accredited teachers*.
At the discretion of the Teacher Trainer, trainees may, during their course, be listed in
the directory as an Approved Trainee. At least 10 hours studio observation is to be
completed before the trainee is eligible for this listing.
*After qualifying as a Suzuki Teacher, accreditation is awarded on an annual basis
dependent on continuing professional growth by attending at least 6 hours of
approved professional development workshops each year. This ensures listing in the
Association's Directory of Accredited Teachers and students' continuing eligibility to
graduate.
About the Suzuki Method
Dr Shinichi Suzuki was the founder of the worldwide music education movement
known as the Suzuki Method. Suzuki Method combines a music teaching method
with a philosophy, which embraces the total development of the child. Dr Suzuki's
guiding principle was "Character first, ability second".
Dr Suzuki called his teaching method the Mother Tongue Approach, inspired by the
fact that children so effortlessly learn to speak their native tongue. Prompted and
encouraged by the parents' love and the family environment, the child responds
and develops this most difficult of skills, that of intelligible speech.
Please see www.suzukimusic.org.au for more information on the Suzuki philosophy.
