Suzuki Association of the Americas

The Suzuki Association of the Americas, Inc. (SAA) is the organization officially licensed by the International Suzuki Association to support, guide, and promote Suzuki education in North, Central, and South America. 

The SAA, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1972. Its membership of approximately 7,000 is a coalition of teachers, parents, educators, and others who are dedicated to making music and early child- hood education available to all children throughout the Americas through the Suzuki Method TM. 

The SAA is governed by a Board of Directors under the Policy Governance model and managed by a staff based in Boulder, Colorado. With the International Suzuki Association (ISA) and other regional associations in Europe, Asia, and the Pan-Pacific area, the SAA promotes and supports the spread of Dr. Suzuki’s Talent Education. 

The Suzuki Method TM is based strongly on the philosophical insights of Shinichi Suzuki (1898- 1998), a Japanese violinist and pedagogue. He believed that every child has incredible potential, and that talent is learned, not inborn. Through starting at a very young age, creating a home and lesson environment for nurturing the potential of each child, Suzuki students can reach a high potential, enjoy the learning process, develop fine character, and gain life-long skills through the experience. 

Developed for violin, the Suzuki Method TM now also includes bass, brass, cello, early childhood education, flute, guitar, harp, organ, piano, recorder, viola, and voice. Through pedagogical training for specific instruments, the Suzuki Early Childhood Education program, and Suzuki in the Schools training, teachers and parents are encouraged to nurture and support children from birth onward. 

The SAA’s primary objectives include: 

• Promote Suzuki music education beginning from birth 
• Educate teachers on implementing the Suzuki Approach 
• Provide accurate information about Suzuki education to parents, families and the public 
• Set guidelines and criteria for Suzuki-based pedagogical instruction 
• Support a community of teachers committed to lifelong learning.

These goals are primarily achieved through ongoing teacher development programs, regular publications, summer institutes, and conferences.