Guitar Committee

The International Suzuki Guitar Committee is an internationally represented body created and approved by Dr. Suzuki in May of 1986 and licensed by the International Suzuki Association.

The committee adheres to the guidelines set forth in the official "Policies for ISA Instrument Committees" adopted by the ISA Board of Directors on September 11, 1999.

Our Mission Statement

To develop a globally recognized approach to the guitar by adhering to the basic tenants and vision of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki so that children, families and teachers everywhere benefit and, in so doing, realize a better world.

The current committee is comprised of representatives of three recognized regional bodies. They are: MaryLou Roberts, SAA; Harald Söderberg, ESA; Zeah Riordan, PPSA. It is a great honor to be a part of Dr. Suzuki's great legacy. We are pleased that the guitar continues to assume its role in bringing quality music education to the world. It is our hope that our efforts will make a valuable contribution to children and families, enabling a better life for generations to come.

Accomplishments

Developed standardized teaching points for the repertoire
Developed a Code of Practice for Suzuki Guitar teachers
Commitment to continue to upgrade guitar page on ISA website
Finalized a satisfactory recording of Vivaldi concerto with the subsequent release of the Book 7 recording (The recording of Book 7 will be available by February, 2008)
Release of Book 8 (Books 1 through 8 are now published and available)

World Convention in Turin in April, 2006

Participation of 120 guitar students from Europe, USA, Australia in books levels ranging from 1 through
A face to face meeting of committee members at 14th World Convention in April of 2006
General discussions took place between guitar teachers from Europe, USA and Australia
Sharing and collaboration in teaching of classes

Ongoing

Repeated trips of to Australia enable SAA representatives and teachers of PPSA to continue to share professional training developments in the upper levels of the Suzuki Guitar School.

Future plans include:

Submission of Book 9 of the Suzuki Guitar School for publication in January 2008
Recording and release of Books 8 and 9 CDs including the selection of recording artists
Edit, revise and re–record Books 1 through 4
Plans are also set for the first ever “International Suzuki Guitar Festival” to be held in Santa Clara, California, USA, July 7–12, 2008

Publications

Trained Suzuki teachers may receive the currently approved method Book 9 until final publication.

Published recordings of the literature of Books 7, 8 and 9 are not available at this time. Please contact Judi Bagnato of Alfred Publishing Co., until they are published, at 864-277-0864.

Previously published books (Vols. 1–8) and recordings (Vols. 1–6) are available at local music stores or by calling Alfred Publishing Co. at 1–800–6ALFRED or you can do so on the website www.alfred.com

Regional Committee Members

European Suzuki Association

Elio Galvagno
Harald Söderberg
Raimo Päiväläinen
Nuria Cervantes

Pan-Pacific Suzuki Association

Zeah Riordan
Robert Turton
Marcus Bussey
Jane Darcey
Joanne Wood

Suzuki Association of the Americas

Andrea Cannon
Mychal Gendron
Seth Himmelhoch
William Kossler
Andrew LaFreniere
David Madsen
MaryLou Roberts

Suggestions?

The members of the International Suzuki Guitar Committee wish to express our deepest appreciation to those who contribute to this very special effort. Your help assures that children everywhere will continue to thrive and benefit as parents and teachers have always dreamed. The ISGC welcomes comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact your regional representative…