My experience was incredibly engaging, enthusiastic and informative! Completing the Suzuki Book 1 Cello training for teachers has been an absolute game-changer for me. The course content was meticulously crafted, providing a
comprehensive understanding of the Suzuki method and its application specifically to cello instruction. The teaching was exceptional, with our instructor demonstrating mastery of the material and the instrument. His guidance was clear, supportive and inspiring, fostering an environment where every participant felt empowered to grow and excel. I would certainly return for further training."
Zach IS Suzuki. You can tell this when you meet him, and he did not disappoint in training. When you can walk away from training by Zach with a fresh dose of the inspiring spirit of this method AND a bunch of practical things you can easily start using right away with your students... ~ Book 3 participant
Before taking this course I was feeling burnt out and like I was pulling my students through lessons. I am now feeling more inspired, learning and being reminded how to be more effective in structuring the lesson. My students are reinvigorated and happy to be receiving information in new ways and they are progressing faster. I know that regular teacher training courses need to be something I do each year and the availability of them online makes it possible. ~ Book 1 Participant
Studio of Zachary Sweet Unit Training
In short term unit training we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of each piece, teaching point, development stages and supplementary reading and etude curriculums from Books 1-10. I offer training throughout the year and during the summer months at various institutions, see "schedule". For unit training through my studio please pay fees through Venmo @zsweet.
All times are ES T unless otherwise noted
A portion of all tuitions provides scholarship for those who are in need of assistance.
2025-26 University of Louisville Training
Please contact at spc@louisville.edu for payment.
Unit 1 28hrs ($715)~ Mondays 9am-12:30pm
September 15-October Nov 10 (October 6 break)
Unit 1 with Ithaca Suzuki Music Education
September 13th 11:30am-3:30pm
September 14th 10am-2pm
September 20th 11:30am-2:30pm
September 27th 11:30am-2:30pm
October 4th 11:30am-2:30pm
October 25th 11:30am-2:30pm
November 1st 11:30am-3:30pm
November 2nd 10am-2pm
Everything begins in Unit 1. We explore the core concepts established by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in creating his talent education method documented in Nurtured By Love. Among these foundational cornerstones are learning from love, connecting with parents as the source of modeling behavior and the human experiences that arise, and building sound pedagogy with young people from the beginning. We’ll break down the process of learning through ear training (learning by ear), repetition and review along with developmentally appropriate strategies for various ages and stages. We begin discussions on developing Group Class, alternative home environments and cultivating resources for success.
Required Reading- Nurtured By Love
Unit 2 15 hrs ($515)
Friday, November 14th 9-12pm
Monday, November 17 9-1pm
Monday, November 24th 9-1pm
Monday, December 1 9-1pm
Unit 2 expands on the routines begun in Unit 1. With every passing unit, we check in on the cornerstones while looking ahead with the Suzuki triangle in front of us. We’ll learn how to take a look at the big picture and notice areas that need support and areas to trust, reinforcing a one point instruction. Additional pedagogical moments will include tone development, vibrato, Galamian scale patterns, and a formal note reading path. As the repertoire advances in musical form, balance becomes a central focus as we prioritize the physical health of the child.
Required Reading- Ability Development from Age Zero
Unit 3 15 hrs ($515) Mondays 9am-12pm
January 26th- February 23rd
The artist emerges in Unit 3 with the expansion of required skills like sautillè, neck positions, ornamentation and chamber music. The young cellist has likely surpassed the skills of the parent at this point so we return to the Suzuki Triangle in support of the evolving home environment. Teaching strategies become our greatest asset in aiding the soon to be independent learner to continue the momentum leading up to this point while also benefiting from the love and executive function of the parent or caregiver.
Unit 4 15 hrs ($515) Mondays 9am-12pm
March 2nd-April 6th (March 9 break)
We close the early books in Unit 4 with more sophisticated musical structures like sonata form, tenor clef and an introduction of the unaccompanied Bach Suite No. 1 in G Major. Music outside the Suzuki repertoire often fits well here and includes cello choir, music by historically excluded composers and new music. The lateral nature of the repertoire offers an opportunity for in depth focus on tone development across the cello through universal scales and arpeggios, etudes and exercise routines that prepare the young cellist for the middle books.
Every Child Can!
$160
January 7th and 8th 9am-1:30pm
Every Child Can! is the preliminary course for training that introduces the philosophy and motivation of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Join me in a deep exploration of child development, joy and community building.
It was so lovely to meet you and learn from you! I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I feel I am walking away with a whole new world of knowledge and strategies to implement in my teaching and playing. This was one of the most helpful and practical courses I've taken so far. I also really appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your journey and struggles, this made me feel very safe and supported in the learning environment. Thank you so very much!!! ~ Book 1 Participant