We are an association of music teachers and parents who support the global educational methods and philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki. The Suzuki Association of Washington State provides members with various opportunities for sharing experiences and insights, including: our student graduation program, scholarships for teachers and students, instrument financial assistance for students, and our annual fall festival for students and teachers.
Submit your graduations online! Next deadline is June 1, 2024. We sponsor a statewide graduation process culminating in each student receiving a graduation trophy, an evaluation and a perforance opportunity.
The SAWS Fall Festival, held annually in mid-October, is our signature event! Students have a one-day institute type workshop that includes master classes, group classes, and an enrichment class about topics such as fiddle, early music, Baroque dance, Dalcroze, music theory, and music history. Our faculty is made up of teachers from across the state. Additionally, we have a day for teachers that includes an annual members meeting, a community meal, and a teacher training workshop.
We offer scholarships for teachers who want to continue their training and students who want to attend Suzuki institutes and workshops. Additionally, we are excited to offer an instrument assistance program to help families with the cost of renting, purchasing, or buying an instrument!
“I have been a member of SAWS for the last ten years, and I cannot say how much it has helped me as a teacher in the Seattle area. The teacher workshops have made continuing education easy and affordable, and my students have really been motivated by graduations and festivals. By far, though, I have benefitted most by the chance to get to know other teachers in Washington State. Their experience and friendship have been invaluable as I started and filled out my studio.”
“There are several reasons that I am a SAWS member, but the one that immediately comes to mind is the annual SAWS workshop in Ellensburg. It’s fabulous for my students, of course, but the camaraderie and the excellent teacher workshops are a highlight of my year. The absolute luxury of carpooling with a colleague or two: two whole hours to talk shop while we drive! The luxury of going out to eat with a group of colleagues with no distractions, no students to run teach or gigs to get to. The luxury of talking late into the night about the challenges and the joys of teaching the Suzuki Method. The luxury of 5 whole hours of continuing education—that moment when the presenter shares a concept and every teacher in the room goes “oooohhhh” as a new way to teach a challenging technique clicks for all of us collectively. The luxury of a whole weekend of nothing but good music, good food, good friends and good memories. And all of this for mere $30 membership plus weekend expenses. I know a good bargain when I see one.”
“I believe that joining your local (SAWS) and your national (SAA) Suzuki Association is both a moral and an ethical decision. Suzuki said “Frist character, then ability”. We, who call ourselves Suzuki teachers, set the tone for the moral and ethical behavior of all those who we work with. Our morals are reflected by our actions. I know that my actions set an example for the students, parents and teachers I work with. One way I demonstrate my commitment to this philosophy and education is membership. I know that being a member now, ensures the future growth and health of Suzuki education in both my local and national communities. I would like to know that my grandchildren will have this education available to them and that I can depend upon the standard of teaching not only of music but also character. Using the name “Suzuki” to describe your professional teaching status means you have likely taken advantage of a an organization that provides a platform for us to share our ideas and get specialized training. Your organization sets guidelines and standards, provides scholarships, creates publications and maintains a website. We Suzuki teachers are part of a worldwide community of teachers, parents and children committed to a common philosophy. We seek the same quality and excellence in education for all children. We are part of this community because we know that this education enriches everyone it touches and has the capacity to change communities and to change lives. Morals are values we attribute to a system of beliefs, and as Suzuki teachers this applies to our shared philosophy. Our morals define what we stand for. Ethics are how we apply these beliefs in our decision-making. My membership in local and national Suzuki Associations preserves professionalism and accountability now and for the future.”
