Organizational Integration

Under the presence of Dr. Evelyn Hermann, CEO of the International Suzuki Association (ISA), TSA Chairman Mr. Ko, teachers, and parent representatives, Mr. Toshifumi Takahashi (the person responsible for the 1997 TSA reorganization) and former TSA Chairman Mrs. Shushrung Lin discussed the significance of the integration.

※ Following the 1997 reorganization, 80% of the members, including Suzuki string and flute teachers, as well as students, integrated into the TSA Suzuki Association. Mr. Toshifumi Takahashi, who was in charge of the reorganization in 1997, joined the TSA Teacher Training Committee in the capacity of a flute specialist.

TSA held an Integration Commemorative Concert at the Central Daily News Auditorium.

(Attendees: Dr. Evelyn Hermann, Michi Hirata, Yoshihiko Terada, Ko Yawen (TSA Chairman), Shushrung Lin (first TSA Chairman), Toshifumi Takahashi, Fumiyo Usui, TSA teachers and members)

TSA established the Suzuki Teacher Training Committee.

Under the guidance of Dr. Evelyn Hermann, CEO of the International Suzuki Association (ISA), TSA Chairman Ko Yawen organized the first Suzuki Teacher Training Conference for the four main subjects. International Suzuki teacher training advisors and Taiwanese teachers jointly established the teacher training systems and student certification systems for Suzuki piano, cello, violin, and flute.

※ Michi Hirata, the piano teacher training committee member, expressed satisfaction with the progress made from the Suzuki Book 2 pieces selected during the 1995 and 1996 teacher training workshops to the elevation to Suzuki Book 8 through the teacher training system. She emphasized that the required skills for teachers should include a responsible attitude towards both parents and students. However, training a Suzuki teacher is not easy, requiring at least 3-5 years of study and practical experience, rather than adopting a membership registration system or quick-training methods to increase the number of participants. Every participant has different motivations for learning the Suzuki method, and it is rare to find individuals who continue their studies for the sake of improving their personal teaching.

In TSA Suzuki Association’s piano department, besides honorary TSA Chairman Shushrung Lin, who contributed to the organization’s establishment, there were approximately 30 past trainees, among which those who met the 1999 TSA Suzuki teacher criteria include Ko Yawen, Wang Shujuan, Zhan Yuting, Qiu Yunchun, Zhang Linming, and Lü Xiuzhi. As for those who left the program, they are always welcome to enhance their skills and prepare to join courses again. For those who have established their own studios or formed other organizations, TSA does not interfere as long as they do not engage in any actions associated with TSA Suzuki Association.

Due to insufficient TSA board members, an additional election was held to fill half of the vacant positions. Teachers integrated into the association were elected as TSA board members.