The Academy values the importance of our teacher’s professional development. The Faculty Enrichment Fund annually provides partial and full reimbursement for teachers to attend conferences, workshops, and teacher training sessions.
Our viola/violin teaching artist, Dr. Nina Kiken, attended a Suzuki pedagogy course:
“This fall I participated in a pedagogy course centered on teaching Suzuki Book 3. Thanks to the support of the Faculty Enrichment Fun, I was fortunate to study with Suzuki Teacher Trainer David Strom, from the Northern Virginia Suzuki Music School. In class, we studied the repertoire in Suzuki Book 3, learning about the new techniques introduced in each piece, and methods to teach more advanced bow strokes, left hand facility, and nuanced musical ideas. More broadly, classroom conversations focused on building interpersonal skills amongst the teacher, student, and parents, in order to create a supportive learning environment.
The class facilitated a community of teachers, where we could reflect on our own teaching and seek advice on particular challenges incurred in our private studios. The weekly discussions were a great reminder of why we study music: to build self esteem and independence, access beauty, and allow for freedom of expression both with and away from the instrument. Over the duration of the course, I observed eight hours of Strom’s lessons in his private teaching studio. In this component of the course, I saw how intentional language can greatly affect lesson dynamics. I also appreciated the necessity for creativity and flexibility in order to best connect with each student.
The Suzuki Book 3 course was such an energizing opportunity to think critically about my own teaching and revisit pedagogical ideals I studied in school. I liked it so much that I’m currently enrolled in the Suzuki Book 4 certification!”
Written by Dr. Nina Kiken
Edited by Regina Schneider