Suzuki Piano Teacher Training at CSYM

CSYM is the joint teaching practice of Stephen and Betty Power. Our aim is to foster musically rounded musicians. Teacher Training at CSYM is tutored by both Stephen and Betty Power, both of whom studied with Dr. Suzuki and Dr. Kataoka, (co-founders of the Suzuki piano school), in Matsumoto, Japan in the 1980's. The training leads to qualification through the European Suzuki Association (ESA), meaning that, piano teachers, once qualified, can teach the Suzuki Method (trade mark), worldwide.

Training aims to be flexible, so trainees can train in the real-life situation of our studio through a weekly or fortnightly apprenticeship scheme or take part in the course over several weekend and weeks throughout the year as part of a group. Besides training in the studio, the Summer School offers a wide range of disciplines, chamber music, new music, etc., that will supplement the core Suzuki repertoire, but still maintaining Suzuki principles of education, and the chance to encounter outstanding musicians and educators.

NEW Teacher Training 2026/2027

Starting March 2026, training to become a qualified Suzuki Piano Teacher is offered in a hybrid format, with 60 hour in-person from our studio in Cambridge and the rest online, on selected Sunday afternoons from 2.00pm-6.00pm UK time. It is open to teachers worldwide, but is most suitable for teachers in the EMEA region due to the time zone.

The course will start with the first of two residential segments, March 19th to 22nd, 2026. The final residential segment will be in 2027, from July 26th to July 30th (provisional dates), and will finish with the 'European Suzuki Association' examinations that conclude the course. The online weekend will run roughly once a month from November 2026, for 8 sessions, making it manageable for most people

There will also be invaluable opportunities to observe children's beginning and early stage lessons as they start and then developed over the period of an academic year. The total number of contact hours will be 120, spread over the 16 months of the course.

Prior to starting the course, candidates need to take part in an informal interview via zoom, and a short audition via a pre-recorded performance on a private YouTube channel, as per the ESA requirements.

The course aims to equip teachers with the practical means of successfully teaching very young children ages 3-5. The Suzuki methodology is not apparent from looking at the published Suzuki Piano repertoire books one and two, and needs to be experienced in order to further understand how to teach a healthy piano technique, and encourage good practice habits, learn how to establish healthy working relationships with parents, and tips on running a successful teaching practice. Teachers will also develop their own playing, so as to be the most effective role models for their students.

Fees, including the examination, total under £1900 and are paid in four instalments, with one instalment due every four months over the 16-month duration of the course.

To discuss what is involved and your own needs contact Stephen on info@suzukipianocambridge.org.uk, saying something about your musical background and teaching experience. We can then arrange to have a short informative chat via zoom (this can also count as the interview that is required by the ESA).

Deadline for applications is March 1st, 2026. Applications to be sent to Stephen Power at info@suzukipianocambridge.org.uk