Specific Guidelines for the SAA Practicum Unit
The SAA Practicum unit, which focuses on honing the art of teaching, was developed to enhance the SAA’s level-by-level unit training. Classes are instrument-specific: e.g., SAA Practicum Unit™ in Violin, in
Cello, in Piano, etc. The Practicum may be taken at any time after Unit 1.
· The Practicum and other Unit courses may not be taken simultaneously.
· Class Size: a maximum of 5; minimum of 2.
· Participants must bring videoed lesson segments of their home teaching in DVD format. Criteria
for videos:
a. A complete 30-minute lesson.
b. One 30-minute segment containing materials of their choice. (Possibilities are consecutive lessons of the same student, a group lesson, a reading lesson, a challenging student, lessons at different book levels, etc.)
c. More footage can be included on the DVD, but video viewing will depend on time constraints, class size and other factors.
d. Angle of the camera must show the student’s hands.
e. The closest possible camera placement should be used which includes the student’s entire body.
f. The teacher should be visible during much of the lesson.
g. Whenever possible, include the parent as well.
h. For best quality sound, an external microphone is recommended. (Note: It is recommended that participants record many lessons over time and select from them the portions to include on the video brought to the Practicum Unit™.
· In addition to viewing and discussion of DVD material from the participants’ home studios, the Practicum participants will have the opportunity to teach on-site students with guidance from
the Teacher Trainer. The lessons with the Practicum course participant will be extra (not part of the regular Institute curriculum.) The students should be informed that they should play a different piece from the one they are studying with their Institute teacher.
Please go to the link below for information on tuition and fees.
http://suzukiassociation.org/events/loc/1166/
The Behrens Guitar Studio
