The Sum is Greater Than the Parts

I led my second Suzuki Piano Teacher's Guild meeting today.  We had a great turn out and everyone shared information about their favorite advanced supplementary repertoire.

I'm excited about the SPTG programs for the rest of the year as well.  The board has decided to bring in a couple guest clinicians, but also to have our own members present ideas. In March Suzanne Greer will present information about organizations, contests and programs outside the Suzuki Community. Lastly in May we will have a panel of teachers share ideas about groups and games.

Since Nancy Pederson retired, our Twin Cities organization does not have an active Suzuki Piano teacher trainer. That may soon change, but in the mean time, it is the sole responsibility of SPTG and SAM to facilitate ongoing teacher education.  We have been doing that the last few years, bringing in folks like Caroline Fraser and Chris Liccardo.  Now I feel we are on the cusp of offering even more.

One of the most exciting things for Suzuki Piano in the Twin Cities is that Beth Turco has been hired as the new director of Suzuki at the MacPhail Center for the Arts.  Congratulations Beth!  No offense against our fellow string players, but just by virtue of having a pianist in the this position, we will be able to synchronize our efforts to present quality programs for our piano students and teachers.  Between MacPhail, SPTG and SAM we have so much energy and talent!  Beth and Cindy Malmin are already planning MacPhail's Suzuki Institute for next summer.  This year Fay Adams has agreed to be the guest clinician and offer Book Five teacher training.  This is a great opportunity for our piano students and teachers.  Save the dates, July 23-27, 2012!

I believe Dr. Suzuki's Talent Education is the greatest way to learn the language of music. To continue his legacy and take the mother tongue approach to the next generation, we have to keep educating ourselves as well as our students.  I'm excited about all the educational opportunities SPTG, SAM and MacPhail are planning to give our students and teachers. When we listen to everyone's ideas and brainstorm together, the sum is truly greater than the parts.