Centenary Suzuki Institute
June 3-6, 2026Teacher Training Classes
Group Class Strategies for Strings
June 3 – June 6
This 10 hour course will share fun and motivating group class strategies for all ages and levels. Primarily using the violin repertoire, but viola and cello are welcome as well.
The class will be presented by James Hutchins, an experienced and enthusiastic teacher who has been widely praised for his group class teaching at workshops around the world.
Strategies include ways to engage students in both mixed level as well as book-specific group classes, while also involving parents, fostering interaction between older and younger students, and building a studio community that supports all sides of the Suzuki triangle.
This enrichment course will happen during the Centenary Suzuki Institute in Shreveport, LA.
Tentative schedule: June 3-6, 2026, Wednesday to Saturday, 9:00am to 11:50am. Observations hours are not required, but highly encouraged during afternoon group classes: 1:30pm to 4:20pm. (All Central Time)
Tuition $295.00 – Presented with dual-delivery (Some take course fully online, some take it fully in-person).
This is a TWO-STEP Registration: Please make sure you register with SAA and pay the $20 fee and register on our website to pay the remaining $275.
Enrichment Study
Enrichment Study includes any continuing education class/lecture of at least 10 hours, based on material relevant to or specifically designed for Suzuki teachers.
Entrance Requirement: These courses are intended to supplement Suzuki teaching. ECC/Filosofía and Unit 1 are prerequisites for all enrichment courses. A current SAA Active Membership is required.
Course Credentials: Enrichment courses allow SAA members to build a well-rounded course of study. Enrichment classes follow the same roster setup process used for unit courses and are subject to SAA fees.
James Hutchins, Violin
James Hutchins lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wonderful and gorgeous wife and his fabulous and entertaining son. He grew up in the Suzuki Method, has been a Suzuki teacher for over 25 years and is a proud Suzuki dad. James is a registered teacher trainer who has taught at workshops, institutes and classes around the world, including South Korea, Iceland, Peru, Lithuania, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Bermuda, the Bahamas and throughout the States. In 2018, James was a guest Clinician at the 67th Suzuki Method Summer School in Matsumoto, Japan. His studio has performed for former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton at the White House, at the National Zoo, the U.S. Capitol,the Maryland State Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Aquarium and on the Millennium Stage and with the National Symphony at The Kennedy Center. They have also played the National Anthem for the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards and Nationals. James also had the honor of performing for Dr. and Mrs. Suzuki at their home in Japan.
