• Introduction to Suzuki NSW Teacher Training Program
• Who can be a Suzuki Teacher?
• Benefits of Being a Suzuki Teacher
• Brief Overview of initial Teacher Training Course – Certificate III
• How to Apply
• Costs of Certificate III Course
• Certificate IV and Diploma – pending review

Introduction to the Suzuki NSW Teacher Training Program

• Suzuki Talent Education Association of Australia (NSW) is the only approved provider of Suzuki Teacher Training in NSW and currently offers training in the following instruments:

Piano, Organ, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Flute, Recorder, Guitar

• We also have a Suzuki Early Childhood Education program (SECE program) for students 0 – 3 years and 3 – 5⅟2 years.  This program does not run every year. For further information please send your enquiries to teachertraining@suzukimusicnsw.com.au

Our teaching is guided by the philosophy and methodology of Dr Suzuki which includes the Mother Tongue approach to education. Please visit our website for further information.

Trainees will eventually be able to teach and play the entire Suzuki repertoire of their instrument. The Suzuki repertoire is a graded journey covering many learning areas involving advancing technical, musical, tone production, aural, performance and musical knowledge skills.

The primary goal of Suzuki Teachers is the development of the child’s full potential, in particular the nurturing of the child’s well-being using music as the medium.

Our goal is to help children of all ages discover the beauty of music while developing real skills that will enhance all aspects of their lives.

If you are passionate about helping children, have a sound grounding in music and would like to work with parents and their children, then the Suzuki method might be the career for you.

• The NSW Training Program offers three levels of teaching accreditation:
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma

• The training program is part- time and participants can go at their own pace but will need to follow a set course of modules for each of the three levels offered.  Each level of accreditation will need to be completed before progressing to the next level.

• Suzuki training courses are presented by highly qualified and experienced teachers dedicated to the Suzuki philosophy and methodology.

• The courses are designed for any advanced student ( over 18 years old), or experienced teachers, and lead to an accreditation certificate from Suzuki Music, which is endorsed by the International Suzuki Association and Talent Education, Japan. The Certificate III training course commences in March/April each year.

• To be considered for the Courses you will need to apply to the Suzuki Music Office. The maximum period allowed for completion of any one course is 3 years. If, for any reason, training is interrupted, further refresher tasks may need to be undertaken.

• Upon successful completion of the Entry Audition, you will be invited to enrol in the Certificate III course.  The enrolment fee includes Suzuki teacher affiliate membership for one year. Trainees still progressing with the course in subsequent years must pay their membership as they go. Teacher trainee members attain full teacher member status upon graduation at Certificate III Level and will be required to join as a full teacher member from that time. Provided all requirements have been met, 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 on the online directory of accredited teachers.

• All teachers or trainee teachers are required to hold a current Working with Children Check and will need to provide a copy of the Certificate to the Suzuki Music office. They will also be required to sign the Code of Ethics provided.

• At the discretion of the Teacher Training Committee, trainees may, during their course, be listed in the teacher directory as an Approved Trainee.

• After accreditation as a Suzuki Teacher, certification is renewed on an annual basis dependent upon the completion of the minimum of 10 hours professional development each year.  This ensures that ALL teachers listed on our online Teacher directory are fully accredited and licensed to teach the Suzuki Method.

Who can be a Suzuki Teacher?

Teacher training is available to musicians who are over 18 years of age who have reached an advanced standard of learning and performance in previous instrumental study. This includes musicians who have studied to a minimum of Grade 8 Suzuki level, undergraduates and existing trained music teachers or professional musicians who are keen to be a part of the Suzuki teaching movement.

Benefits of being a Suzuki Teacher and the Benefits for your Suzuki Students

• All teachers, families and students become part of the Suzuki community with the belief that all children have ability, every child can succeed irrespective of individual circumstances. Teachers, parents, and students are encouraged to believe that high musical ability can be achieved.

• Support and encouragement is open to everyone. The aim is to inspire. The Suzuki philosophy provides the base for our teaching.

• Parents are involved in the learning process of the child.

• All Suzuki students and teachers have the opportunity to attend group lessons, concerts, workshops, tutorials, masterclasses, special award ceremonies and Graduation ceremonies.

• Students have the advantage of socializing and performing with other students at STEAA(NSW) Ltd events and similarly teachers benefit by observing and experiencing the content of events.

• Solo performance options.

• Groups of instruments play together in tutorials, ensembles, orchestras.

• Piano students have the advantage of participating in multi piano events.

• Being a Suzuki teacher enables you to mix with other teachers both professionally and socially and be a part of the Suzuki community.  Our events are a community effort with great experiences, memories, and enjoyment for everyone.

• Suzuki accredited teachers have the advantage of being listed on the Suzuki website which will result in many enquiries for lessons without having to advertise independently to find students.

Brief Overview of Certificate III Course Content – click here

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Entry Audition

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of musicianship and technical proficiency (repertoire to be at a minimum standard of AMEB 7th Grade or equivalent)

The Entry Audition pieces required to be performed by memory for each instrument are listed below:

Please note no accompaniment is necessary for auditions

Interview

Applicants are expected to demonstrate some understanding of, and empathy with, the Suzuki philosophy along with knowledge of the content and level of commitment sufficient to complete the course successfully.

Entry Audition Process

• If you are interested in applying for the course, please email teachertraining@suzukimusicnsw.com.au

A brief overview of the course will be sent to you. In addition, you will receive an Entry Audition Form. This needs to be completed and returned together with a Curriculum Vitae indicating your musical training or teacher training and experience and the non- refundable audition fee of $100.

• Entry Audition Forms must be received by the closing date deadline on the Event Calendar.

Audition times will be selected as soon as possible after receipt of your audition form.

• You will be advised of a time on the scheduled date for your interview and audition (in person or live on zoom) with two Teacher Trainers.

Enrolment

• Upon successful audition/interview, you will be notified by the office and will then be able to enrol onto the Certificate III course.

The Certificate III Enrolment Form will be sent to you for completion.

(This form must be returned together with the enrolment fee to officially begin the Certificate III training course).

•  New Trainees will be sent a Welcome Pack by the Teacher Training Department which includes training resources. At this point you will also be asked to:
  • Provide a Working with Children Check
  • Sign the Code of Ethics (provided in the Welcome Pack)
  • Set up Affiliate Teacher Membership of the Association (one year Affiliate Teacher Membership is included in the enrolment fee)
  • Complete Pre-requisite Reading before commencement of the Course – Nurtured by Love (Shinichi Suzuki) (available for purchase from the Suzuki Office).

• The first two Modules of the Certificate III Course will be run in March/April.

• You will also be introduced to your Teacher Trainer and you can begin working through the repertoire for your Module 3 training at any time after enrolment onto the course.

Costs of the Suzuki NSW Certificate III Course

The full costs of the Certificate III course will be supplied on application. Please email the Suzuki office teachertraining@suzukimusicnsw.com.au for further details.