Become a Suzuki Teacher
The NZSI Teacher Training Programme is designed for practising teachers and advanced musicians 18 years and over interested in becoming Suzuki teachers. Currently in New Zealand Suzuki teacher training is available in cello, flute, guitar, piano and violin. For current Suzuki instrument teachers the NZSI offers further training in Suzuki Early Childhood Education.
The Teacher Training Programme covers four levels with each level consisting of two to three units of training. Most units correspond to its equivalant Suzuki repertoire book (ie. Unit 4 explores Volume 4). At the end of each Level of training, teachers sit an assessment.
Each unit of training consists of:
- A minimum of 16 hours of lectures, discussion, and teaching practice.
- Eight hours of observation of specified Suzuki teaching.
- Additional reading and written work.
- Alongside the Suzuki repertoire, training will explore musicianship, music reading, and the practicalities of the Suzuki philosophy.
To enrol, see below…
| Instrument | Audition entry level requirements | Teacher Training Programme |
| Cello | Have passed Grade 8 or achieved a minimum Grade 8 standard of playing, or the equivalent of graduation-ready Suzuki Book Eight | Cello Teacher Training Programme |
| Flute | Have passed Grade 8 or achieved a minimum Grade 8 standard of playing, or the equivalent of graduation-ready Suzuki Book Eight | Flute Teacher Training Programme |
| Guitar | Have passed Grade 8 or achieved a minimum Grade 8 standard of playing, or the equivalent of graduation-ready Suzuki Book Seven | Guitar Teacher Training Programme |
| Piano | Have passed Grade 8 or achieved a minimum Grade 8 standard of playing, or the equivalent of graduation-ready Suzuki Book Seven | Piano Teacher Training Programme |
| Violin | Have passed Grade 8 or achieved a minimum Grade 8 standard of playing, or the equivalent of graduation-ready Suzuki Book Eight | Violin Teacher Training Programme |
Returning to teaching? Please see our information and application form for returning teachers.
Transferring from Overseas? This application is for Suzuki teachers who have trained overseas who are now living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand and wish to register with the NZSI. Applications are not yet open, please check back early 2026.
The Suzuki Trademark:
Suzuki™ is a Trademark licensed from the International Suzuki Association (ISA). Registered and licensed Suzuki Method™ teachers:
- Have completed at least two accredited courses of specialist Suzuki teacher training, and;
- Have a current license to use the name ‘Suzuki’ to describe their teaching. This is given by current financial membership of the New Zealand Suzuki Institute, and;
- Meet ongoing professional development requirements.
Use of the Suzuki™ name:
- Use of the Suzuki™ name is licensed from the ISA to each Regional Association (PPSA)
- Teacher membership of a member Association of the PPSA entitles a teacher to use the Suzuki™
- Teachers who are not members of a member Association of the PPSA are not entitled to use the Suzuki™ name
How to Enrol for Teacher Training
The New Zealand Suzuki Institute conducts a thorough application process to ensure the highest standards among our Suzuki teachers.
Initial Screening
Prospective teachers begin by completing a set of screening questions.
If you are interested in applying, please contact the Director of Teacher Training (DoTT) to receive the screening question form. dott@suzuki.org.nz
Questionnaire Review & Audition
Your completed questionnaire will be reviewed by the Professional Advisory Group (PAG).
If your application meets the initial criteria, you will be invited to submit an audition.
Interview
If your audition is accepted, you will be invited to attend an interview conducted by two PAG members and the DoTT.
At this stage, applicants are required to pay the new applicant fee of $200.
Acceptance
Successful applicants will be welcomed into the NZSI Teacher Training Programme and asked to pay their annual NZSI membership fee of $125.
Useful Information
