Kia ora koutou.
Welcome to the Winter journal.

The start of 2025 has seen a number of changes for the NZSI. Violin teacher and teacher trainer Trudi Miles has stepped down from her role as Director of Teacher Training. Trudi has been in this role for at least 10 years and we extend our thanks to her for the many years of service, above and beyond, in this role. At the same time, we welcome Emma Goodbehere, a Wellington Suzuki cello and ECE teacher into the DOTT role.

We have made the fiscal decision to send 1 of our 2 annual journals to you as an e journal – thus, this winter journal has come to you in e format. The content structure is the same. Amongst other things, you can read about the activities of individual branches, enjoy a reprinted article by Suzuki and as usual we congratulate those who have successfully completed their graduation submissions.

This year the NZSI trials a new PD system for its teachers. Teachers are being asked to acquire a number of points across 3 tables of potential PD options. More specific information can be found on the website under the Teachers tab – ‘Continuing Professional Development’. The NZSI plans to offer 8 Suzuki specific sessions throughout the year. We have had the first 3 for 2025 already, beginning with the importance of Suzuki’s graduation process. The first general session was on the role graduations play in motivating and nurturing ability in the child – which was then followed by 2 instrument specific sessions. Teachers are being asked to record their PD hours through the website under the ‘Teachers’ tab and offer feedback on any aspect of this new system.

As a charitable trust we are required by law to update our constitution by 2026. We are now at the stage where we are inviting feedback on the new constitution from the membership. We hope you can take the time to read it and send any feedback you have to the administrator by the end of June.

NZSI Draft Constitution 21/05/25
Administrator – admin@suzuki.org.nz.

As always, we thank the many hard working volunteers who spend many hours of their time supporting our children in their musical endeavours at events and also behind the scenes in running the Institute at every level to support Suzuki’s vision of nurturing happy and successful future world citizens through music.
Wishing you a warm and music filled winter.

Vicky Williams
NZSI Vice-President

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Teacher Training Report

Emma Goodbehere | Director of Teacher Trainer

Teacher training held

• Unit 5 Violin was held in Cambridge at the Hamilton Summer Camp (8-12 January 2025). Trudi Miles was the trainer.
• Unit 1B Violin was held in Masterton at the Summer Wellington Camp (14-20 January 2025). Trudi Miles was the trainer.
• Unit 5 Cello was held privately through December and January. Sally-Anne Brown was the trainer.
• Unit 1B Piano is currently being completed by one piano privately with Fleur Chee.

Assessments

Congratulations to Fleur Jackson (Nelson) for completing her Level 1 Assessment (Violin).
Congratulations to Ingrid Lindsey (Invercargill) for completing her Level 2 Assessment (Violin).

Proposed teacher training coming up in 2025:

• Unit 1A Guitar – Auckland @ October workshop
• Unit 5 Piano – City & Date tbc
• Unit 6 Violin – City & Date tbc
• Unit 2 Violin – City & Date tbc
• Unit 1B Violin – City & Date tbc

Upcoming teacher training can be found on our website: suzuki.org.nz/instrument-course-schedule

Upcoming NZSI Professional Development sessions

Sunday 25 May, 7pm
Graduation Part 2 (instrument specific)

Sunday 22 June, 7pm
Self-regulated Learning – what is that? with Dr Graham McPhail

Sunday 27 July, 7pm
Suzuki Education is Parent Education with Zohara Rotem

More information about training and professional development in the Teacher Newsletter (out soon), or on the website.

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Journal update

Alison Macdonald | Editor

As editor of the Suzuki Journal, I’m always looking for ways to highlight how vibrant, thoughtful, and connected our Suzuki community in Aotearoa really is. But I can’t do it without your help.

I’d love to receive photos of your tamariki performing, practicing, busking, or enjoying time at camps and workshops. I’m also looking for drawings, poems, jokes, book reviews (especially Suzuki-related ones), tips, and short articles — anything that reflects the joy and effort that goes into this musical journey.
Please encourage your children to contribute too. Their voices, opinions, and experiences are important — not just to the journal, but to the future of our community. They are the Suzuki leaders of tomorrow, and giving them space to share their views helps build that future today.

If you’re unsure about photo permissions, feel free to send your contributions through your teacher or branch — they can help check what’s okay to publish.
The strength of Suzuki in New Zealand comes from the community — from families like yours who are actively involved. Together, let’s make this journal a place where every child and every family can see themselves reflected and celebrated.

Read the articles:

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