We regret to announce that Montana Suzuki Institute 2022 has been cancelled. Check back here in January 2023 for information on future MSI events.

Course Information

Prerequisites and Requirements

Please refer to the Suzuki Association website for information regarding teacher training. The Montana Suzuki Institute follows all guidelines as presented by the SAA and will be adhered to as such. Teacher Workshop Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma to register training with the SAA. Please take note of the SAA audition requirements and deadlines in the Teacher Audition Guide.

Participant vs Auditor Status

Teachers may choose to attend a Training course as a participant or an auditor. A Teacher Workshop Participant (TWP) is someone who meets the course requirements and wishes to register their teacher training course with the SAA. An Auditor is someone who does not meet the course requirements but still wishes to attend the course.  Advanced high school students may be admitted to the course as auditors.  Auditors may not register the course with the SAA.  They must repeat the course at a later date in order to be register it.

Every Child Can

Every Child Can is a an 8-hour introductory course on the Suzuki philosophy and its application to education. For parents, teachers, prospective teachers and others, this course provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the Suzuki approach to teaching and learning. For teachers, ECC is the first course in the Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Development Program. Limited to the first 15 registrants.

Required Course Preparation

In addition to the prerequisite courses and video audition submission, all teacher training participants are asked to prepare the repertoire to be studied to the point of fluent performance. Memorization is not required but is recommended. Additionally, participants should be conversant with the ideas presented in Dr. Suzuki’s book Nurtured by Love. All participants will be performing Suzuki repertoire and other materials in class and are expected to provide their own instruments. It is recommended that participants bring an audio recorder and a notebook to all sessions. 100% attendance is required for course credit.

Scholarships

Scholarships: We strongly encourage teacher trainees to apply for scholarships to help defray the cost of training. Multiple scholarships are available through the Suzuki Association of the Americas, including one awarded annually to a string player who lives in the Rocky Mountain region (CO, WY, MT, ID). Visit the SAA scholarship page to apply.

Institute Observers

Teachers who want to observe classes must register as an Institute observer. Observers may choose their own schedules but may not attend teacher development courses. Observers will be given a nametag upon registration. FREE observation for teachers with 5 or more students registered for MSI. Please contact us for more information.

Note: Any adult who is not enrolled in teacher development courses or is not a parent/guardian of enrolled students must register as an observer.