Dr. Mark George, President and CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago, has been named chair of the board of directors of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), a not-for-profit organization officially licensed to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America. The SAA aspires to improve the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education, seeking to create a music learning community that embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit.In addition, Gilda Barston, Music Institute cello faculty member and dean emeritus, has been appointed chief executive officer of the International Suzuki Association (ISA), which serves as a coalition of Suzuki Associations throughout the world. The ISA exists to encourage, promote, enlarge, and coordinate Suzuki education and maintain the highest standards of educational instruction.
"The SAA is celebrating its 40th anniversary," George noted, "and this is a great time to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of Suzuki education in the Americas. Hundreds of thousands of students and families have been touched by the teachings of Shinichi Suzuki, and instrumental music education has seen a radical shift in the United States. Forty years ago, music educators had low expectations for most children, with special attention reserved for the so-called gifted or talented students. Today, largely because of the influence of Suzuki teachers, it is widely recognized that, with excellent teaching and support, all children can play in tune, make a beautiful tone, and produce sophisticated music."
"There are more than 250,000 people worldwide engaged with Suzuki education," said Gilda Barston. "Suzuki students learn to play music while building strong character traits that will serve them in every walk of life."
"The Music Institute of Chicago has one of the largest and most successful Suzuki programs in the world," added George. "We are proud and honored to take on these important international leadership roles."
About Suzuki at the Music Institute of Chicago
The Music Institute of Chicago has one of the largest and most comprehensive Suzuki programs in the Midwest. The internationally recognized Suzuki method is based on the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that musical talent can be developed in every child. Students can begin Suzuki instruction as early as three years of age. Music Institute teachers are members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and provide the highest quality private and group-class instruction. Additional Suzuki opportunities include a series of mid-winter weekend workshops and the summer Chicago Suzuki Institute, which offers a concentrated week of master classes, group instruction, concerts, and enrichment activities. More than 40 Music Institute faculty members offer Suzuki instruction for piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, harp, recorder, and flute.
In addition, Music Institute of Chicago Announces New Academy Scholarships
The Music Institute of Chicago has announced the establishment of six new Academy Fellowship positions. The prestigious Fellowships will be named for the generous benefactors who have provided full underwriting for the new program: Kathy and Gerhard Bette (Chicago), Susan and Richard Kiphart (Chicago), Betsey and John Puth (Winnetka) and the Sage Foundation of Brighton, Michigan.
Auditions for highly qualified pre-college string players and pianists ages nine and up take place Wednesday, August 31 at the Winnetka campus of the Music Institute of Chicago, 300 Green Bay Road. Each Academy Fellow will receive a full tuition scholarship for study in the Academy and have exclusive opportunities to perform and coach with an array of world-class guest artists. Fellowship recipients also will receive benefits such as free professional recording and piano accompanying services.
--Jill Chukerman, JAC Communications
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