NZSI Newsletter 1987 June Volume 9
Editorial – Denise Loiselle
Encourages membership and participation in the Suzuki Institute, highlighting the benefits and upcoming conference.
Teacher Trainee Accreditations
Recognition of teacher accreditations in violin and piano, including notable names like Winifred Bickerstaff and Gillian Bibby.
Graduation Tapes
Instructions for submitting graduation tapes for NZ and Japanese formats, including deadlines and fees.
Code of Ethics for Suzuki Teachers and Students – Diane Wagstaff
Explores the ethical foundations of the Suzuki Method, drawing on influences from Tolstoy and violin greats like Kreisler.
Rotorua Summer Camp Reflections – Gwyneth Mataira
Highlights the privilege of learning from international Suzuki teachers and emphasizes the importance of respect during lessons and concerts.
News from the Regions
Updates from Hamilton, Auckland, and Hawkes Bay, including concert successes, workshops, and teacher training opportunities.
Suzuki and Me – Peyvand Khalegian
A 14-year-old’s experience meeting Dr. Suzuki in Matsumoto, including a personal performance for the legendary educator.
10th Anniversary Conference Registration and Information
Details about the September 1987 conference in Cambridge, including tutors, workshops, and activities for students, parents, and teachers.
The publication of the second newsletter of the year brings with it news of the 10th Anniversary Conference to be held at St Peter’s School, Cambridge, from September 6–11, 1987. This promises to be an exciting event, and the places available should be filled very quickly—which brings me to the point of this editorial.
It is a policy of the Institute, as it is with most associations, that only paid-up members are eligible to participate in conferences and workshops. Perhaps you may ask, “What else do I gain from being a member of the Institute?”
The Institute operates on a relatively small supply of funds which are then returned to the membership in a variety of ways, such as:
- Support for regional workshops (in the form of a subsidy for each teacher trainee).
- Access to Suzuki Teacher Training Programme.
- Hire of Suzuki Repeater Tapes.
- Free Library of Music Education Books and Video Tapes.
- Books and Music at reduced prices.
- Participation in Suzuki Concerts, Summer music camps, and Annual Workshops.
We would like to encourage everybody to become a member of the Institute. We need the help and support of all members of the “Suzuki Family” if we are to grow and develop toward reaching some of those long-term grander goals.
Imagine our very own Suzuki School in N.Z. or a Post-Graduate Suzuki String Teaching Diploma such as Professor John Kendall teaches at the Southern Illinois University!
Down at the grassroots level, there are little groups sprouting up all over the country. We would like to encourage and support them as much as possible—please help.
– Denise Loiselle
Child to His Teacher (Poem)
Put learning in my way,
Then stand aside,
But do not push.
My steps are small because
My legs are short,
And there is much to see
That you have seen
But see no more… too bad.
When I have traveled
All the road through books,
My head will overflow
With so much knowing.
Don’t make me go too fast
To see and hear
This lovely world,
Let joy keep pace with growing.
– Anonymous
Dr. Suzuki Says
“I practice 4 or 5 review pieces again and again with the tape every day. This is the Suzuki Method which develops my ability to a very high level.
After this practice, it becomes easier to play my assigned piece, and I can learn many new pieces faster. This is the Suzuki Method. I am one of the very good students of my teacher!”
Oh Come, Little Children (Song)
Up bow on the A is the way to begin,
Up bow now again helps your teacher to grin.
Up down on each phrase is the right way to bow,
Up down now again is the way it should go.
Song of the Wind (Poem)
Who has seen the wind, I wonder?
No one that I know.
Where the leaves are fluttering,
The wind is there but can’t be seen.
Where the trees wave to and fro,
The wind is there, I know.
(Adapted from a poem by Christina Rossetti; arranged by F. Farr)
A.G.M. Notice
The A.G.M. of the Institute will be held at 7:30 PM, Tuesday, September 8th, 1987, at St Peter’s College, Cambridge (the venue for the Annual Conference).
- Remits to be sent in writing 10 days prior to the A.G.M. (August 31st).
- The nomination form for positions on the National Executive is included in this newsletter and should be returned to the N.Z.S.I. Secretary by August 31st.
Teacher Trainee Accreditations
Congratulations to the following teachers:
Violin:
- Christine Polglase (Step 1)
- Marinette Berkeljon (Step 1)
- Erica Colbert (Step 2)
- Beverley Nation (Step 2)
- Winifred Bickerstaff (Step 3)
Piano:
- Gillian Bibby (Step 1)
- Marinette Berkeljon (Step 1)
- Mary Wilson (Step 1)
- Margaret Vujcich (Step 1)
- Janet M. Clayton (Steps 1 & 2)
It is with regret that we announce the resignation from the Institute of our respected teacher trainers B. Ker and J. Neupert and teacher K. Neupert.
Graduation Tapes – Closing Date October 15th
Teachers should apply for graduation forms if they wish their students to graduate. Please state whether it is to be the N.Z. or Japanese form.
We still do not have the cost of those tapes to be sent to Japan, but it is more expensive than N.Z. graduation. It is also expected to cost more than it did last year.
- Violin tapes to be sent to: Val Thorburn, 15 Trees, Hanwick
- Piano tapes to be sent to: Josie Fluhler, 1 Bettina Rd, Fairfield, Hamilton
NB: Graduation forms and money to be sent to the Treasurer, N.Z.S.I., P.O. Box 6058, Hamilton.
NZ Fees
- Level 1: $20.00
- Level 2: $25.00
- Level 3 and up: $30.00
Japanese Fees: (Still to be advised, photo required)
Newsletter Contributions
Closing dates for submissions and publication dates are as per the last newsletter.
We welcome articles, letters, viewpoints, and reports from members but would ask that they be restricted to 200 words (or approximately 1 page for Branch Information).
The executive and/or editor also retains the right to decide on the suitability of material for publication in the newsletter.
THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR SUZUKI TEACHERS AND STUDENTS (Chapter III)
“The Suzuki Method: A Philosophy for Life Education”
- Evelyn Herman
In this era of capitalism, competition for financial gain has become uppermost in the minds of many.
“What’s in it for me?” is always the first question.
“Financial wizards” are out to get the money regardless of how unethical their business tactics might be.
Suzuki had a different upbringing. His father built the largest violin factory in the world in a country that was on the opposite side of the globe from the origin and the use of the instrument. He accomplished this by a code of ethics almost unknown in industry in the last decades of the twentieth century.
Masaaki Suzuki taught his son to be selfless, to share, and to thank his creator for the gifts that he already had, rather than to ask for more. He believed that the final product must sell on its own merits, not by some devious sales method. He felt a great responsibility for all his employees. They were a part of his family, and he felt an obligation to take care of them.
Suzuki has lived and worked by this code. He tries to continually improve his own teaching and to share any new ideas with his teachers. He asks them to do the same. The final product is the child. Only think, “What is best for the child?” This is your reward. We must share our ideas with one another. In this way, we will improve mankind.
Suzuki was greatly impressed with Enesco, the man, when he refused to take Kohi Toyoda as a pupil because he had already been accepted at the Paris Conservatory. In Japan, no Suzuki teacher can accept another teacher’s pupil without the consent of the first instructor. Furthermore, it is better to say nothing than to make a derogatory remark about another person’s teaching ability.
One other strong influence on Suzuki was the philosophy of Tolstoy. It was Tolstoy who showed him that one must be truthful to one’s self. To be able to face yourself each day knowing that you have been truthful in all your dealings with others clears your mind for greater progress.
Ysaye and Kreisler both lived by these ethics.
I.S. Arazi, an Ysaye pupil wrote:
“Ysaye was encouraging to his students. He always tried to bring out the best innate qualities in each of us and at the same time was careful to point out our faults.
As a human being, Ysaye was a kind, devoted and noble man. His heart was as large as his frame, and he was six feet five inches tall. His devotion to music, to his friends, to his pupils and his idealism towards the noble, whether it was in music, literature, poetry, or human relations, will forever be cherished by those who had the rare privilege of knowing him. These same wonderful qualities were manifest in his violin playing which, for me, represented the ideal. I cherish the memory of this great man, and I have endeavoured, in my small way, to carry on his noble tradition of beauty in life and in music.”
Kreisler felt that his ability was a gift from God to be shared with others. During World War II, he kept one room of his own as a storage place for food and clothing, which he constantly sent to his impoverished homeland, Austria. Though he did not teach, he shared his talent both performance-wise and financially for the benefit of other musicians. He was loved and revered by everyone who came in contact with him.
Suzuki’s wish is to teach the children some of these traits along with musicianship. As more and more people grow up with this code of ethics in their fundamental background, the world could become a better place in which to live.
Planning a Workshop By Diane Wagstaff
Games & Motivation for the Suzuki Violin Student
With many new groups of people interested in Suzuki springing up around the country, some ideas on how to plan a workshop might be helpful. These ideas, together with those provided by Napier in the last newsletter, might make the task a little easier to begin.
- The 1st step is to invite the teacher or teachers needed and set the date.
- The 2nd step is to find a suitable location and reserve it.
- The 3rd step is to type and duplicate an invitation and registration form describing your plans and including the registration fee decided upon.
When registration forms come back, you will have the money to pay for the facility and the teacher, and you’re on your way to a fun, motivating experience for the children.
Here are some ideas for workshops you could plan:
- Invite a well-known and qualified Suzuki teacher from out of your area.
- Invite a dance teacher to teach the waltz or minuet or to choreograph a dance from a Suzuki piece.
- Invite a teacher to talk to parents about their specific needs or problems, e.g., motivation.
- Invite a violin maker to talk about care of the instrument and minor repairs.
- Plan a fiddle workshop for Suzuki-trained students.
- Plan a play-in.
- Plan a graduation concert for your area.
- Plan a “play together” in the park. Reserve a space in a local park. Have a piano brought to the park. Three or four hours of events could be planned which could include students of violin, cello, piano, flute, and recorder.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
Special Guest Tutors
- Miss Mori (Japan)
One of the leading violin teachers of the Suzuki Method; she is in close contact with Dr. Suzuki and his many new ideas. Based in Matsumoto, she has taught in many countries of the world and will make her second visit to New Zealand straight after the Berlin Conference. - Eric Mitchell (Hobart, Australia)
A brilliant pianist and teacher who impressed us all last year in Napier. Eric has a thriving practice in Tasmania and is a leading teacher trainer throughout Australia. - Philippa Jackson (Sydney, Australia)
A professional cellist of international standing, Philippa is a New Zealander who studied at the Sydney Conservatorium before embarking on an orchestral career on the front bench with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Philippa now has a large cello practice in Sydney with a number of highly talented and accomplished students. - Kathy Shelhart (Melbourne, Australia)
Kathy has become a leading Suzuki teacher and teacher trainer in Australia since her departure from New Zealand. Kathy was trained in the USA in both cello and violin and is a regular visitor to NZSI conferences.
New Zealand Tutors
Many of the Suzuki tutors currently practicing in New Zealand have studied their craft and the Suzuki method in Japan, USA, and Europe. We have invited a team of our most talented and experienced Suzuki teachers for this year’s conference. Josie Fluhler has agreed to act as Musical Director for the conference.
- Violin and Viola:
Valerie Thorburn (Convenor and Teacher Trainer), Erica Colbert, Sophie Hartigan, Simon Griffiths, Kerry Langdon, Mrs. W. Bickerstaff. - Piano:
Margaret Crawshaw (Convenor and Teacher Trainer), Dora Harkness (Teacher Trainer), Gwen Short, Dorothy Ker. - Flute:
To be finalized. - Musicianship, Dance, and Movement:
Mrs. Gunn (Dalcroze), Rae Marshall (Dance), Jerome Hartigan (Movement).
Programme
The programme is still being finalized and will be sent to you along with receipts, timetables, maps, etc., in August. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope for this purpose.
Programme Highlights
For Students (Music from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM):
- Masterclasses, Group lessons with NZ and overseas tutors.
- Ensembles.
- Play-ins.
- Musicianship.
- Daily Concert.
- Private lessons.
- Afternoon fun activities – magician, videos, and games.
- Movement and Dance (Dalcroze Method).
Teacher Training (Daily):
- Observation of tutorials.
- Lectures.
- Demonstration Sessions.
- Discussion Groups.
- 2:45 – 4:45 PM: Methodology and Pedagogy.
Parents:
- Lectures by visiting tutors.
- Round table discussions.
- Panel Discussions.
- Music Shop with Books, Instruments, etc.
Concerts:
We hope to organize a public concert during the course of the week. An accomplished Japanese student who will accompany Miss Mori will play at the concert along with NZ Suzuki students, tutors, and a number of guest musicians. The venue for the concert will probably be in Hamilton.
Membership of the Suzuki Institute
Please note that only current members of the NZSI are allowed to attend the conference. If you are not currently a member, you must join the Institute if you want to attend the conference.
To join the Institute, fill in the form attached to the conference registration form and send it to:
New Zealand Suzuki Institute, P.O. Box 6058, Hamilton, NZ.
New members who wish to join so that they can attend must pay $9 to cover the subscription for the remaining part of the year. Please do not add this amount to the cheque for conference fees and accommodation. Send a separate cheque payable to the NZSI.
Conference 87 – New Zealand Suzuki Institute
Hamilton
10th Anniversary Conference
St Peter’s School, Cambridge
6th–11th September 1987
For Suzuki Parents, Teachers, and Students of Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, and Flute
“The Hamilton Branch extends a warm welcome to all Suzuki students, parents, and teachers. We hope to make this year’s conference special, so mark a date for 6–11 September. We hope to see you at St Peter’s School!”
Member’s Views
It was once again an exhilarating experience to be able to attend the Rotorua Summer Camp. Each year I look forward to camp with excitement and enthusiasm, and each year I have returned to Fiji feeling really “re-charged.”
I would like to make a few suggestions and comments about camp, which I hope will be taken in the spirit they are given. I don’t know how many people who attend camp are really aware of the absolute privilege and honor it is for us to have such an exclusive time with the overseas teachers we have had at camp.
- Respectful Behavior:
(a) Please could we be more respectful when bringing small children to class? If children start to talk or play loudly or become restless, please, parents, remove them immediately for a minute or two.
(b) Please, please, parents, do not allow your children to run in and out of the hall or to talk during concerts. - Progress and Quality:
(a) Many children appeared to be progressing too fast without proper consolidation of early teaching points.
(b) Many children played with poor intonation, due, I feel, to poor posture or lack of listening.
(c) Many children could not remember past repertoire. Suzuki says ability is developed through studying well the past repertoire.
Remember always that every teacher has wonderful attributes and skills to offer. Let us all strive to be better and better teachers and people. Let us continue to be constructively critical and constructively supportive of each other. Music is the language that breaks down barriers.
Arohanui – Gwyneth Mataira
News from the Regions
Hamilton Branch News
Fundraising Concert:
A tremendously successful concert was held on 25.4.87. Suzuki students were supported by a number of guest artists who so generously contributed at no cost to the Branch. A big thank you to all the entertainers and teachers. A profit of over $600 goes toward the airfare of our Japanese violin tutor, Miss Mori.
A further fundraising event will be the Horotiu/Suzuki Variety Concert to be held on 21.7.87 at the new Horsham Downs Community Hall. Suzuki students, together with Horotiu Primary pupils, will be supported by guest artists. Profit will then be shared between the Hamilton Branch and the school. The school will use their profit for purchasing music equipment.
Piano Workshop (5.7.1987):
This will be held at St. Peter’s School, Cambridge. We are pleased to have excellent tutors: Dora Harkness, a Suzuki Teacher Trainer who studied piano teaching at Matsumoto, Gwen Short, Shirley Nieuwland, and Evelyn Goodrick, who have all been involved with piano teaching using the wonderful Suzuki approach for some years. Registration forms can be obtained from Joyce Trafford, River Rd, RD 1, Hamilton. The closing date is 26 June.
10th Anniversary Conference (September 1987):
The committee continues finalizing details for the Anniversary Conference. This is an occasion too good to miss. Remember, numbers are limited, so be quick with your registration. Toward the end of August, a detailed programme, maps, school plan, and receipts will be posted to you. (If you supply a stamped addressed envelope, as requested on the registration form.)
We are pleased to have Hamilton City Mayor, Mr. Ross Jansen, officially open the conference on Sunday night, 6th September. This ceremony will be followed with a Grand Opening Concert.
Sweatshirt and T-Shirt Logo Competition:
Hamilton Branch continues to receive enquiries for sweatshirts, so we plan to produce another supply. Win yourself a prize by forwarding your logo design to J. Trafford, ‘Watermere,’ River Road, R.D. 1, Hamilton by 10th July.
Auckland Branch News
On Sunday, April 5th, at 2:00 PM, the Auckland Suzuki children had a highly successful combined concert with Auckland Grammar School in the Auckland Town Hall. What excitement to play to the completely filled ground floor of the Town Hall. What an opportunity for Suzuki to spread its wings a little wider.
Peyvand Khalegian, an Auckland Suzuki student, is also a member of the Grammar School group, so he had to wear two hats that day!
Suzuki and Me
On the 10th of May, I left with a group of fifty other boys, teachers, and parents from my school, Auckland Boys’ Grammar. We were set to tour Japan for the next two weeks, with our band and our string ensemble giving concerts at prearranged venues throughout Japan.
For me, however, the highlight of the tour was to come on Thursday, May 21st, as we would be visiting the city of Matsumoto to meet Dr. Suzuki.
We were all pleasantly surprised to be greeted at 5:00 AM by two employees of the Suzuki Institute, who were there to take us to Matsumoto, courtesy of Dr. Suzuki. When we arrived, we were taken to Matsumoto Castle and were greeted by two more guides. After visiting the Castle, we were given a comprehensive tour of the city and then taken to an expensive French restaurant, where we were given a much-needed four-course meal, again courtesy of Dr. Suzuki.
I decided to go with a friend to the Talent Education Centre and watch a lesson in progress. As I entered, the first thing I saw was Dr. Suzuki, who welcomed me and invited me to watch his lessons.
As the boys in our group began to arrive, we were treated to a performance of the 1st movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, complete with upside-down bows! Our string group had been requested to play, and so we did, much to our embarrassment.
To my surprise, Dr. Suzuki approached me and asked me to play for him and his pupils. I replied with a nervous “yes” and began playing for him, after which he told me what I did right and what I did wrong in a frank and concise manner, which I have never seen in a teacher.
Our group was again embarrassed when Dr. Suzuki brought out his two- to five-year-olds and gave us a violin and piano concert in which we heard a two-year-old boy play the Gossec Gavotte with no mistakes other than the rather “tinny” sound of his violin.
As it was drawing on 4:00, we were prompted to leave, but Dr. Suzuki asked me into his office, where he took something out of his drawer and wrote something on it. He then put it into a bag and gave it to me.
As I left the Talent Education Institute, I felt very sorry for those people in the world who had not experienced Suzuki and thanked God that I had.
– Peyvand Khalegian (14) – June 1987
