Suzuki Harp Teacher Training

Taking the baton from Professor Gabriella Bosio, teacher founder of the Suzuki Method of harp in Europe, Professor Tiziana Loi starts from the year 2023 a training course for Suzuki harp teachers, recognized by ESA (European Suzuki Association) and ISI (Istituto Suzuki Italiano).

For now, the course is the only accredited in Italy and Europe for the training of harp teachers according to the Suzuki Method.

The course contents decided by the ESA are defined by a syllabus that establishes the skills to be acquired for each level and to take the relevant exams.

Here are the key points of the Syllabus:

1. In-depth study of Suzuki philosophy.
2. Individual study of the instrument, with special attention to the technique, production and sound quality needed to teach a small child. Candidates must be able to competently play an extra repertoire than the Suzuki one.
3. Mastery of the teaching points according to the Suzuki Method.
4. Acquisition of the ability to structure the lesson for children.
5. Internship activity, consisting in the observation of the lessons held by teachers already qualified to teach according to the Suzuki Method.
6. Teaching to children studying with the Suzuki Method under the supervision of the teacher trainer.
7. Study of texts related to Suzuki philosophy, with particular reference to the issue of the relationship between parent and child, with the elaboration of synthesis papers.
8. Performance of the Suzuki repertoire proving to have acquired the necessary skills (memory, basic Suzuki technique, application of teaching points according to the Suzuki Method).

The training course is divided into five levels.

The first level has a duration of 120 hours, of which a part (no more than 50%) can be carried out online. It is established in the Syllabus that a maximum of 40 hours is devoted to the observation of the lessons given by the teacher trainer.

Each level normally ends in one year, so it takes five years to achieve the qualification in all five levels of training. However, already from the attainment of the 1st level of training, it is possible to teach according to the Suzuki Method. Each level is recognized by the ESA and ISI and from the 3rd level each candidate is officially accredited by the Italian Suzuki Institute.

The Suzuki Method offers aspiring teachers a new perspective, which maximizes the educational role and pedagogical aspect of this figure. The Suzuki Method focuses on the growth of the child and stimulates him to give his best, creating around him a positive environment that will allow him to naturally emerge his talent.

Being a Suzuki teacher involves acquiring the fundamental techniques to teach children at an early age (from 3-4 years) to play an instrument, but it also implies the acquisition of all the skills and abilities necessary to establish an interpersonal relationship with the student and his family.

It is part of the Suzuki Method the involvement of the family: a good teacher must, during the lessons, also take care of instructing the parents on how to help and guide the child in daily practice. It should also encourage them to bring music into family life, so that the child can live immersed in music and feel naturally motivated in his learning path.

The teachers will hone their performing skills, musical memory, the production of a beautiful sound; develop the technical skills necessary to produce it and above all acquire the confidence necessary to transmit the same qualities to their students.

Very important is the observation of lessons given by teachers who, at all levels, already teach with the Suzuki Method for several years. The observation will allow a continuous verification of their work with the students.

LOCATIONS OF THE COURSE

“Arpeggiando” Musical Association, via Trieste, 18 – Selargius (Cagliari)

Suzuki Music Centre, via Il Prato, 66 – Florence

Exam: Suzuki School, via Monviso, 1 – Saluzzo (Cuneo)