Suzuki piano Teacher training

Aubrey Faith-Slaker is a reflective teaching artist who creates clarity, confidence, and new ways of thinking in teachers. Her work focuses on connecting musical, pedagogical, and human ideas to what happens in real lessons.

Through mentorship-based training, courses, and presentations, Aubrey supports teachers who are actively teaching and looking for clear, practical ways to grow. Her approach is grounded in real teaching, shaped by global experience, and designed to be immediately usable.

Courses are offered both online and in small group settings, creating space for reflection, discussion, and application. Training is registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas when applicable.

Aubrey also offers one-on-one sessions for teachers seeking focused support on specific pedagogical questions.

connect. Inspire. Teach!

Para Español.

Next Course:

Unit 1 — Suzuki Piano

Unit 1 is a deep, foundational course in how young children learn music through the Suzuki approach. We focus on the earliest stages of piano study—developing listening, tone, posture, coordination, and confidence while building strong relationships with both students and parents.

This course centers on how we teach: shaping habits from the very first lessons, supporting parents as practice partners, and laying the groundwork for joyful, secure progress at the piano. We look closely at repertoire, sequencing, lesson flow, and the small choices that make early learning feel calm, clear, and successful.

Participants observe, discuss, and reflect together in a supportive learning environment, connecting philosophy to real teaching situations. Unit 1 invites teachers to slow down, notice more, and teach with intention—so students (and families) feel supported from the start.

This course is designed for piano teachers pursuing Suzuki training, as well as teachers (and parents!) who want a stronger, more grounded approach to teaching beginners. Both newer and experienced teachers are welcome.

Course Details

Requirements: Camera on and at your instrument (acoustic or digital). Active participation and observation are essential. For credit with the SAA, “Every Child Can” or Filosofía course is required as well as 100% attendance and the ability to play the repertoire by the end of class.

courses and Events 2025-2026

teaching strategies online (weekly)
- Thursdays 10:30am - 1:00pm Central. September 18 - October 9, Hosted by the Music Institute of Chicago. Click for Details.
Piano Book 4 online
- Thursdays, 10:30 - 1:30pm Central, October 16 - November 13.
filosofía
- November 30 & December 2-6, 10:30 - 14:30 in Oaxaca.
teaching strategies online (monthly)
- Tuesdays, 10:30 - 1pm, February 10, April 7, May 12, last session TBD.
Becoming the Teacher You Want to Be: Reflections from the Code of Ethics
- Suzuki Conference, San Francisco, February 26, 1pm
Piano Book 1 online
- Thursdays 10:30 - 1:30pm Central, March 5-12, April 2 - 16, April 30 - May 14, June 4-11, Hosted by the Music Institute of Chicago. Click for Details.
The One-Point Lessons: Self observation as a tool for teaching growth
- Accelerated Learning Session for All Instruments. Music Teachers National Association Convention, March 22, 3:30pm.
Designing Group Classes: A Workshop (online)
- Transform your group classes into engaging, joyful experiences that build community and musicianship. Learn creative structures, activities, and strategies to plan and to keep every student motivated and growing together.
- Friday, July 10, 10:30 - 1:30 Central.
Beautiful Basics to Ease into intermediate level repertoire: A Workshop (online)
- Smooth the path into intermediate level repertoire with practical tools that make technique effortless and music expressive. Discover how to set students up for success, confidence, and ease in the “beautiful basics.”
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 - 1:30 Central.
Parent Coaching Across the Ages: A Workshop (online)
- From preschool beginners to teens, learn how to coach parents with language and strategies that truly support progress. Equip families to be effective partners in practice and keep motivation thriving at every stage.
- Friday, August 7, 10:30 - 1:30, Central.