My Time with Suzuki Sensei

with Mihoko Hirata

The following video was recorded March 31, 2014 during the Spring Hawaii Suzuki Institute for Suzuki Talent Education of Hawaii. ISA thanks Hirata Sensei and Helen Higa, Director of STEH, for their permission to post this video on the ISA website for Suzuki families and teachers around the world to enjoy.

A native of Matsumoto, Japan, Mihoko Hirata received her teacher training under the personal guidance of Dr. Suzuki. In 1967, she was selected by Dr. Suzuki to be one of the first teachers to introduce the Suzuki Method in the United States.

In addition to Mr. William Starr, Mrs. Hirata also received a "Creating Learning Community Award", from the Suzuki Association of the Americas, recognizing her as the "Spirit of Suzuki in the Northwest." Mrs. Hirata is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher Trainer with the SAA. She has established Suzuki programs in Seattle and Bellingham, Washington and has presented workshops and master classes throughout the United States and around the world.

In this special parent lecture, Hirata Sensei describes some of her time learning from Dr. Suzuki.