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 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.

Instrument	Entry level requirements	Policy document
Cello	Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Cello Book Eight	Cello Teacher Training Programme
Flute	Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Flute Book Seven	Flute Teacher Training Programme
Guitar	Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Guitar Book Seven	Guitar Teacher Training Programme
Piano	Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Piano Book Seven	Piano Teacher Training Programme
Violin	Grade 8 + or alternatively the equivalent of Suzuki Violin Book Seven	Violin Teacher Training Programme

Returning to teaching? Please see our policy and application form for returning teachers.

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

Due to the Charities Act 2005 (the Act) being amended by the Charities Amendment Bill, the NZSI has had to make adjustments ti their constitution, therefore we are not accepting new teachers into the teacher training programme at present.

If you are interested in becoming a Suzuki Teacher, please express interest by emailing the Director of Teacher Training (dott@suzuki.org.nz). We can then be in touch once we re-open our new teacher training programme.