SAM Graduation Performances
One of the primary purposes for the existence of the Suzuki Association of Minnesota is a graduation process for students. The development of accuracy in rhythm, pitch, articulation, and musicality are goals of every fine music teacher. With nurture, review and maturation of playing skills, students develop technique and musicianship in pieces they know. This program involves careful preparation and joint cooperation on the part of students, parents, and teachers. Graduation repertoire for violin is based on Mr. Suzuki’s selection of pieces from each book. Music for other instruments is comparable.

Students record tapes or CDs in individual teacher studios. SAM teachers then send all recordings to state coordinators who redistribute them to different teachers who listen, evaluate, and make constructive comments. Instruments currently represented are:
Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Harp, Flute, Recorder, and Guitar.
This program is open to all students of SAM members.

Students of string and wind instruments perform in groups until reaching highest playing levels. Soloists are chosen to demonstrate highly developed skills and repertoire. Piano students perform solos in recitals. All the many efforts that make up the graduation process culminate in the recitals at Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis) for strings and winds and the College of St. Catherine (St. Paul) for piano. Graduates receive certificates and trophies to celebrate their achievements.

Please feel free to direct any questions or concerns to the following email address:
MNSuzukiGraduation@gmail.com

NOTE: All graduating students must be students of a SAM teacher.

Deadlines for 2010:
2009-10 SAM Membership Registration Form and Fee............Due December 31, 2009
SAM Graduation Teacher Registration Form......................Due December 31, 2009
Copy Student Registration Summary and Student Fees.......Due December 31, 2009
Upper Level Graduate Registration Form and Fee...............Due December 31, 2009
Upper Level Graduate Video/DVD......................................Due January 18, 2010
Graduation Recordings.....................................................Due January 29, 2010

Graduation for 2010:
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - Piano Graduation Recitals at Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina, MN
Saturday, March 20, 2010 - Pre-Graduation Recital for Upper-Level Soloists (all instruments except piano).  6:30 PM at  Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis , MN   55409-1447
March 27, 2010 (NEW DATE) – Grad Recitals: Flute, Recorder, Harp, Guitar, and Strings at Orchestra Hall
   10:00am Recorder, Harp, Flute, and Guitar Graduation (Rehearsals at 8:45am)
   12:30 Viola and Cello Graduation (Rehearsals at 10:45am)
    2:30pm Violin Graduation (Rehearsals at 1:00 pm)

Download a copy of the Graduation Requirements and Event Information: