Teaching from the Balance Point - A guide for Suzuki Parents, Teachers and Students is an interactive workshop for Suzuki Teachers of all instruments. The course will utilize a variety of communication applications including powerpoint, video, lecture, discussion, and experiential activities to explore many of the ideas presented in this classic book.  Teachers will gain a deeper understanding of the basic principles of Suzuki Teaching and learn many new techniques for communicating better with parents and students.

Topics covered will include:

• Understanding the four pillars of the Suzuki Method
  

• Priority Teaching - what is it? How do I implement this approach in my studio?
  

• Video examples of students who demonstrate this skill based approach to learning from both The Western Springs School of Talent Education in the west suburbs of Chicago, and the Baccarelli Institute in Sao Paulo Brazil - demonstrating the success of this approach in two vary different socio-economic environments.
  

• How to encourage the parent to engage more fully in the role of home teacher
  

• “Playing by Ear’ the cornerstone of the Suzuki Method. How to teach this to your students
  

• Units of instruction on all of the basic skills of violin playing. Posture, Tonalization, Intonation, Shifting and Vibrato.
  

• Listening - what does this really mean?
  

• Development of skill - How do we help our students to build skill in their playing?
  

• Review - the revolutionary approach to learning. How to use it as an effective tool in your student’s progress.
  

"Teaching from the Balance Point gives teachers and parents insights into the intricacies of teaching violin techniques to children through the Suzuki Method. This book not only inspires the careful development of skills so necessary for success, it also offers a wealth of creative suggestions on how to proceed in orderly fashion. It reflects the depth of understanding and dedication to the student that has marked Ed Kreitman’s extremely effective teaching for the past thirty years. It is a “must’ for every beginner’s packet and every teacher’s library.”

Doris Preucil, S.A.A. Registered Teacher Trainer, Past President of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, board member of the International Suzuki Association, Founder and Director Emeritus of the Preucil School of Music

“Teaching from the Balance Point contains a masterful interpretation of all aspects of the Suzuki Method from philosophy to technique. Edward Kreitman exhibits the Suzuki philosophy in his presentation of these materials using a clear, articulate, and “user friendly’ approach. The book is without a doubt the most logical and comprehensive treasure the Suzuki community has received thus far. Ideas that have been repeated from one generation to another suddenly take on lives of their own with “aha” moments happening in each paragraph. Kreitman has provided an invaluable text for all followers of the Suzuki Method. I thank Ed for creating this work which has become the main text for my graduate Suzuki Pedagogy class.”

Teri Einfeldt, Past Chair of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, SAA Registered Teacher Trainer, Chair of the Suzuki Department at The Hartt School Community Division