The Western Springs Suzuki Talent Education (WSSTE) and Roosevelt University have partnered to provide unprecedented access for post-secondary music students to excellent training in Suzuki Education.
A graduate degree track, the Master of Music in Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy is available to qualified violinists, violists, and cellists. The degree combines advanced performance and academic studies with in-depth studies of Suzuki Education and development of teaching skills through observations, practicum, and apprentice teaching. Also offered is a Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy, designed for skilled musicians who
already have or are not interested in pursuing a master’s degree, but have a strong interest in teaching as a vocation and commitment to Suzuki Education.
WSSTE has a unique concentration of Suzuki teacher trainers on its faculty, including Edward Kreitman, and Nancy Jackson for violin and viola, and Tanya Carey and Sally Gross for cello. The Western Springs School of Talent Education has offered approved teacher training courses for more than thirty years and our Teacher Trainer Faculty have offered approved SAA training courses at countless Summer Institutes across the U.S.
Canada and South America. With more than 300 Suzuki students, WSSTE provides an unparalleled opportunity for pedagogical observation and practice teaching.
The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University possesses a stellar faculty that features Almita and Roland Vamos, the aforementioned Tanya Carey, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), including Assistant Concertmasters David Taylor and Yuan-Qing Yu, Assistant Principal violist Li-Kuo Chang, violist Lawrence Neuman, Principal cellist John Sharp, cellist Richard Hirschl, Assistant Principal flutist Richard Graef, flutist Emma Gerstein, and many other master musicians and teachers.
Chicago is an easily accessible and vibrant city with spectacular architecture, a thriving technology sector, and world class arts and culture. The Western Springs School of Talent Education and Roosevelt University look forward to welcoming Suzuki teacher trainees in the 2023-2024 academic year and for many years to come.
For additional information, check out the FAQ or contact: Patrick Connolly, admin@wsste.com
Joint Graduate Studies Program in Suzuki Pedagogy - FAQ's
What degrees are offered through this program?
1. Master of Music in Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy
2. Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy
What instruments are included for the Master of Music in Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy degree?
Cello, Viola, Violin, Flute, and Piano
Do I also need to submit audition recordings to the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)?
In addition to the audition guidelines for entrance to Roosevelt University, applicants must submit recordings
of prescribed repertoire to the SAA to qualify as a Teacher Trainee candidate.
Do I need to be a member of the SAA?
Yes, SAA membership is required in order to be a Teacher Trainee candidate.
Do I need to complete Every Child Can! (ECC) before I apply?
Yes, Every Child Can! (ECC) is a prerequisite for the Graduate Studies and Certificate programs. Full information about the ECC course can be found at: Every Child Can. Roosevelt University faculty member Tanya Carey offers an ECC course prior to the start of the fall semester. The cost to students is $95 plus a $30 material fee. Other ECC courses can be found throughout the country at various times. Open courses are listed on the SAA website.
Is it possible to audit any of the courses?
Yes, prospective auditors must meet all SAA Teacher Trainer candidate eligibility requirements.
How do I register my training credentials on the SAA website?
On completion of the SAA requirements for each book, training credentials will be applied to your active SAA
account.
Whom may I contact at WSSTE with questions?
Patrick Connolly - Administrative Director - Western Springs School of Talent Education.
Whom may I contact at Roosevelt University with questions?
Thomas Kernan, Assistant Dean, Chicago College of Performing Arts
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