“Never hurry, never rest” Dr Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998)
     2009 Council and office bearers

      Teachers         Parents
  Kylie Mahony, President
Therese O’Brien, Vice President
Anne ApThomas
Nicola Buckland
Sian O'Callaghan
Vicky Yagi
     Rob Buckland, Secretary
Joan Mahony, Treasurer
Bill Balnaves
Erna Berberyan
Vic Flierl
Ruth Hardman
The Suzuki Council - How it works for you
Suzuki Music SA is governed by a 12 member Council made up of 6 teacher and 6 parent representatives. The AGM is held in November each year and people are welcome to put forward their nominations at this time. A sub-committee called the Focus Group was developed in late 2007 to provide strategic direction and guidance for Council. Both Focus Group and Council meet monthly.

The role of the council is to:
• Discuss and approve strategic direction
• Monitor the performance of the organisation
• Monitor communication with all stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with policies, laws and regulations
• Coordinate subcommittees to manage events
• Ensure member benefits remain relevant and valued

If you have any suggestions or can assist in any way, either as a council member or volunteer on a subcommittee, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Council or our office on (08) 8277 2766.

A Message from Our Patron - NIKI VASILAKIS
“As Patron for Suzuki South Australia I am writing to encourage you to consider becoming a student or teacher of the Suzuki method.

My first experience of violin started with the Suzuki method. My first years of playing violin and learning about music, was the most wonderful time in my life and an extraordinary experience. I was a little girl with behavioural problems and playing violin and learning Suzuki instilled so many great things in me.

Three aspects really stand out to me when I think of the benefits of the Suzuki method and what makes it unique: repertoire, memorisation and playing in groups.

The Repertoire for Suzuki method is outstanding. It is a great mixture of the best of the classical repertoire and folk tunes and great melodies. For students, to complete all the volumes of Suzuki really gives them a broad and excellent induction to great composers and serious repertoire. The great thing about the repertoire is how fun it is for the student and gives them excellent ‘benchmarks’ to achieve throughout each book.
Memorization is also a real strength of the Suzuki method. I found this to be a ‘key’ in my development from a young age and was such a great skill to learn. I have had many students at university level who have real problems memorizing music because they did not have instilled in them as young students its importance. Memorization is also so excellent for being the sign that the piece is ready for performance and also ready to move on to a new piece. It is such an important skill for performance and also enhances confidence.

Finally, group sessions were my ‘life line’ as a child. My inspiration, motivation, fun, and growth were quickened by having the chance to play with others regularly. Making music together was so important and the relationships I made at all the events like the summer and winter schools were invaluable. I still make music with a lot of the friends I played Suzuki with as children.

I highly recommend you join the Suzuki family, and look forward to meeting you in the future.”

Regards
Niki Vasilakis
2008 Young South Australian of the Year
Patron of Suzuki South Australia

Niki Vasilakis is regarded as one of the most exciting violinists to have emerged from Australia in recent years. She has performed as soloist with the Prague Philharmonic, Guangzhou, Wellington, and the Australian major Symphony Orchestras. Niki is a passionate performer and involved in many volunteer programs promoting classical music to remote audiences and has had many television appearances and presented the popular show ‘Classical Destinations.’ Niki was invited to perform at the International Festival “Prussia Cove” in 2008. Niki is patron for the Adelaide Festival Centre, Suzuki Music South Australia and The Australian String Teachers Association.

Niki released her debut album with the Tasmanian Symphony orchestra and features in the film “4” with Violinists Pekka Kuusisto, and Cho-Liang Lim. Recently Niki has been collaborating with cellist Emma-Jane Murphy and pianist Kathryn Selby in a new Trio called TrioZ. Niki was named ‘Young South Australian of the year 2008.’

Niki has offered Suzuki families and teachers a 2 for 1 discount on her performances in South Australia. Go to her website at www.trioz.com.au to see latest performance dates.
Suzuki council and patron
Our Patron - Niki Vasilakis