SAWS Teacher Development Workshop 2026

Group Class Techniques in Suzuki Pedagogy and Cello Workshop with Cary Beth Hockett

(This workshop has been rescheduled to Friday, March 13th and Saturday March 14th, at First Lutheran Church of Bothell 10207 NE 183rd St, Bothell, WA)

Open to ALL music teachers (any instrument) and college music majors! (if you already registered, do not register again. If you registered for the October workshop and cannot attend the new dates, email us for a reimbursement.)

Homestays may be available for out-of-town teachers who are SAWS members. Also, a $75 travel stipend will be available for SAWS teachers traveling more than 3 hours (each way). Please email us to request a stipend or a homestay (sawsfest@gmail.com).

Friday March 13: Teacher Workshop

Join Carey Beth Hockett for an engaging exploration into effective Group Class Techniques in Suzuki pedagogy. This workshop delves into creating dynamic, inclusive learning environments. Discover strategies for setting clear musical goals, fostering community among students and parents, and adapting activities to suit diverse learning styles. Whether you’re new to group teaching or refining your approach, this session promises valuable insights and practical tools to elevate your teaching practice. Friday will be a full day teacher training, all teachers, any instrument welcome. Click here to register  

Saturday March 14: Cello Student Workshop

Saturday will be a day of masterclasses and group classes for Suzuki cello students taught by Carey Beth Hockett. Friday workshop participants are invited to observe the classes. Students will receive a masterclass and a group class. Book 1/2 students will be scheduled in the morning, Book 3+ in the afternoon. All Suzuki cello students are encouraged to apply. Registration open February 1 – March 1.

Click here to register.  $50 per student ($30 reduced fee for those with financial need).

 

Clinician Bio

Carey Beth Hockett is a cellist, composer, teacher, and Suzuki teacher trainer based in Los Angeles. She joined the faculty of the Colburn School in Los Angeles in 2009.  She has been actively involved in Suzuki cello in both America and Europe for over 40 years. She is well known for her creative work with groups of all sizes and has designed a course for teachers called Group Class Techniques. Her compositions include Amusements for String Quartet, a collection of short pieces designed to train basic ensemble-playing skills, and Diversions for Cello Ensemble, a series of pieces that include elements of body percussion and cello drumming along with normal playing. Hockett has served on the boards of both the European Suzuki Association and the Suzuki Association of the Americas and is now on the board of the International Suzuki Association.

Schedule:

Friday Teacher Training:

• 9:00-9:30 arrival/coffee
• 9:30-11:30 – morning workshop session
• 11:30-11:45 – snack break
• 11:45 – 12:45 – workshop cont.
• 12:45 – 1:30 – Lunch
• 1:30-2:30 – workshop cont.
• 2:30-3:00 – participant sharing/mini exhibition
• 3:00-4:00 – workshop wrap-up
• cleanup/breakdown
• 5:00 – dinner

Saturday Cello Student Workshop

• 8:30 – 9:20 Book 1/2 Masterclass 1
• 9:30 – 10:20 Book 1/2 Group class (all book 1/2 students)
• 10:30 – 11:20 Book 1/2 Masterclass 2
• 11:30 – 12:15 Teacher Lunch (please bring a packed lunch, and help us finish leftovers from Friday’s lunch)
• 12:20 – 1:10 Book 3+ Masterclass 1
• 1:20 – 2:10 Book 3+ Group class (all book 3+ students)
• 2:20 – 3:10 Book 3+ Masterclass 2

Friday Teacher Workshop Tuition

• $110 non SAWS members
• $90 SAWS members
• $50 college student
• A few scholarships or work trades may be available; please inquire. Click here to register