"Character first, ability second" - Dr Suzuki
The graduation process gives students the opportunity to work carefully and deliberately on milestone pieces within the repertoire. Milestone pieces were chosen throughout the repertoire that demonstrate accomplishment and skill development. The graduation pieces are not an indication of book completion, rather an opportunity to share character and ability developed through dedication.
Graduation is a celebration of the work the child, parent and teacher have done together. The student records the milestone piece with the help of their teacher and parent to submit to our Suzuki Listeners. The Listeners for NZSI student graduations are NZSI registered trainers and experienced teachers who have undertaken professional development in graduation assessment. On the completion of their graduation they receive a report and certificate, and the accomplishment is published in the NZSI Journal.
Please read through the below information thoroughly before submitting your Student Graduation Form. Please note a form must be completed for each student before recordings can be accepted.
Within five working days of receipt of this form the NZSI Administrator will send an invoice for the Student Graduation Fee. Payment must be made to complete the application process.
Benefits of participating in the Suzuki Graduation Process:
- Provides a goal for students
- Offers students an opportunity to share their hardwork with others
- Gives a personal record for posterity
- Each graduate receives a report
Dates: Graduation submissions are due by
15 June and 15 November each calendar year. The deadline will be strictly adhered to in order to facilitate the listening process.
Pre-requisites:
The student must be a current NZSI member learning with a current NZSI registered teacher on the graduating instrument.
Graduation Fees:
Graduation Fees as at February 2024
- All instruments Level 1 and 2 ($35)
- All instruments Level 3 and 4 ($45)
- Cello, Flute, Guitar, Viola and Violin Level 5 and 6 ($50)
- Piano Level 5 ($65)
- Piano Level 6 and 7 ($75)
- Cello, Flute, Guitar, Viola and Violin Level 7 and 8 ($55)
- Cello, Flute, Guitar, Viola and Violin Level 9 and 10 ($65)
- Cello, Flute, Guitar, Viola and Violin Level 11 and 12 ($75)
Recording Information:- The recording should be a collaborative effort between student and teacher. Your teacher must listen to the recording before it is submitted.
- The recording should demonstrate mastery and refinement according to the criteria set for each instrument. Your teacher should have the criteria and will help you with the graduation process. It is recommended students are one book beyond the graduation level before making their graduation recording.
- The recording should be in audio format.
- At the beginning of the recording the student should introduce themselves, their piece, their teacher and thank the listener for listening.
If the Listener finds the recording does not meet the required criteria, they will communicate with your child's instrument teacher in order to help the teacher to prepare the student thoroughly, and they may invite the teacher and student to make another recording and resubmit this at no extra cost.
