Teacher Training
Training the Next Generation of Teachers!
In addition to serving young musicians and their families, the Colorado Suzuki Institute is a vital training ground for Suzuki teachers. Each summer, 10 to 15 educators attend CSI to advance their Suzuki certification across book levels 1 through 10, studying under our experienced faculty in the same immersive mountain setting where students learn.
Over 30 years, CSI has provided more than 4,000 teacher training opportunities, helping educators deepen their expertise and bring higher-quality Suzuki instruction back to their home communities across the country. Every teacher trained at CSI extends our impact exponentially, carrying the Suzuki philosophy of character development, parental partnership, and early childhood music education to thousands more students nationwide.
As Dr. Suzuki wrote: “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings.” Our teacher training program ensures that this philosophy reaches far beyond the mountains of Beaver Creek.
Teacher Training Registration for 2027!
All registration, course tuition, and SAA fees will be handled through the SAA website. (See the links below) Once SAA processes your registration and payment, they will send us all the information and we will contact you via email to confirm your course, send lodging information, and help with any other questions. No refunds after June 1st.
Beginning Workshops
Every Child Can! (link coming soon!) ONLINE
Violin/String Training Workshops
String Teaching Strategies: violin, viola, cello, bass (link coming soon!) DUAL DELIVERY (In person OR online)
Violin Book 2 (link coming soon!) DUAL DELIVERY (In person OR online)
Piano Training Workshops
Piano Book 1 (link coming soon!) IN PERSON
Piano Book 3 (link coming soon!) IN PERSON
Piano Book 6 (link coming soon!) IN PERSON
Guitar Training Workshops
Guitar Book 5 (link coming soon!) IN PERSON
Tuition for Teacher Workshop Courses
ECC (8 course hours): $145.00 + $35 SAA fee
Use the link above to register on the SAA website
Teaching Strategies (10 hour course): $300.00 + $20 SAA fee
Use the link above to register on the SAA website
Book 1 Courses (28 course hours): $1,200.00 + $20 SAA fee
Use the link above to register on the SAA website
Book 2 & up Courses (15 course hours): $750.00 + $20 SAA fee
Use the link above to register on the SAA website
*For observing student courses only, see below. Fees for Participants and Auditors are the same (see the difference between Auditor and Participant below) Limited Scholarships are available. Use the button below to apply.
What is the difference between an Auditor and a Participant?
Auditor or Participant: The tuition fee is the same for both participants and auditors. Auditor status is appropriate when a teacher is unable to meet the course’s attendance, observation or audition requirements. The auditor may play in class only with the permission of the instructor and may not register the course with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Auditors may only observe their registered teacher training class in addition to all student activities and concerts.
Auditors need to register in a timely fashion in order to reserve a space in the designated class as class size is limited for all classes.
Opportunities for Observation!
Teachers are encouraged to visit and observe many classes at the Colorado Suzuki Institute. Any student classes are open for observation by visiting teachers. Teacher Training courses can not be observed according to SAA guidelines.
Home teachers are always welcome to visit their students in class for free. To observe other classes at the institute please stop by the front desk to register and pick up a class schedule. Observation for one day is free as a courtesy to all Suzuki teachers. Observation for 2-5 days is $100.
Walk-ins are welcome if it is a last minute decision to visit and observe. However, if you know in advance please email us so we have enough printed schedules available. Contact us at, info@coloradosuzuki.org, letting us know you are interested in observing and for how many days!
Every Child Can!
Every Child Can! Online (pre-requisite course for all instruments) (link coming soon!)
Every Child Can! (ECC) course MUST be completed before you attend any Book 1 training. Due to popular demand, we are offering ECC class online to better serve you. No refunds after June 1st.
Dates: June 12-13
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm EST
Instructor: Jane Reed
Tuition: $145.00 + $35 SAA fee
This course is a prerequisite to taking any Book 1 training courses. It can be taken on its own or prior to attending the Book 1 courses offered by CSI. Read more about the course on our ECC page!
Piano Courses
Tuition: $1,200.00 + $20 SAA fee
Tuition: $750.00 + $20 SAA fee
Tuition: $750.00 + $20 SAA fee
Guitar Courses
Guitar Book 5 IN PERSON, David Madsen
June 20-25
Orientation meeting at 8:30 am Sunday, June 20
Tuition: $750.00 + $20 SAA fee
String Courses
String Teaching Strategies: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass DUAL DELIVERY (In person/online), Stacy Garner
(minimum of 2 participants for course to run)
June 19-20
Orientation meeting at 8:30 am Saturday, June 19
Tuition: $300.00 + $20 SAA fee
Violin Book 2 DUAL DELIVERY (In person/online), Stacy Garner
June 21-25
Orientation meeting at 8:30 am Monday, June 21
Tuition: $750.00 + $20 SAA fee
The Colorado Suzuki Institute welcomes all teachers both those who want to learn more about Suzuki and those who are already involved in Suzuki lessons. You will be working with Suzuki teachers and trainers from around the world and observing classes of students from across the United States and the world, all while experiencing a full and nurturing musical environment. We provide classes for teachers of all experience levels.
For information on our faculty check out our Faculty page. After your registration has been completed you will be emailed information about discounted lodging rates at The Charter in Beaver Creek.
SAA Training Guide
To help train successful Suzuki teachers, the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) has set up the following program. Teachers interested in studying the Suzuki philosophy, pedagogy and other aspects of the method enroll in courses corresponding to each book.
The first course, Every Child Can!, covers the elements of Suzuki teaching, an understanding of far-reaching goals of the Suzuki method and understanding how to continue training in order to become a Suzuki teacher. This Every Child Can! course must be taken online prior to attending the Institute.
Book 1 continues with a thorough study of the entire repertoire and techniques contained in Book 1 of the Suzuki Method. Read carefully the Suzuki Association of the Americas training guidelines for audition requirements and deadlines.
Suzuki Association of the Americas Guidelines
Training Eligibility Requirements
The SAA considers its Teacher Development Program to be in-depth pedagogical study for professional musicians. To qualify as a Participant in the courses, you must submit and pass an audition. When a course is taken and completed, it will be registered with the SAA. Registered courses count towards earning a Certificate of Achievement.
For further information, please see the SAA website at www.suzukiassociation.org and find the teacher video audition application form and instructions, or call the SAA toll free at 1-888-378-9854.
Minimum age of 17 and a high school diploma
SAA active membership
Every Child Can! course (no audition is required but this course is a pre-requisite for going into Book 1)
Video audition accepted by SAA
Books 1 through 3 must be taken in order