About Us
MissionThe Suzuki Music Association of California aspires to instill the teachings of Shinichi Suzuki into the hearts and minds of our students: that all children, in collaboration with parents and teachers, can develop high standards of achievement through love of music, self-confidence, discipline and good work habits. We seek to nurture fellowship, growth, and community among teachers and students of California. |
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Our History |
In 1974, in the San Francisco Bay Area, the first California Suzuki organization was established. Teachers who were meeting to take training sessions from Sister Therese Cecile Murphy started to organize area-wide activities. It was following one of these activities, a play-in, that the Suzuki Association of Northern California (SANC) was formed. Among the Los Angeles teachers who helped build this early Suzuki community was Idell Low (1925–2016), a pioneer of the Suzuki violin method in Southern California, a registered Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher Trainer, and a long-time leader of the Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles group program. Her teaching shaped the musical lives of generations of students and teachers, and SMAC is grateful for her lasting contribution to Suzuki education in California. The advantages of geographic organization were immediately clear. When teachers were within driving distance of one another, communication and coordination flourished. Also, by organizing regionally across California, branches could collaborate more effectively and maximize resources statewide. There has been, and continues to be, a concerted statewide effort to provide teacher training workshops and ongoing professional development, with a shared commitment to continuous learning among our members. The branch model spread naturally, and today SMAC's network includes seven branches, one chapter, and two institutes representing hundreds of teachers throughout California.
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In 2026, SMAC became an Official Chapter Affiliate of the Suzuki Association of the Americas.Diversity Statement |
Diversity is a defining feature of the Suzuki Music Association of California (SMAC). Its directors, employees, and members embrace it as a source of strength. Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been practiced in this organization since its inception in the mid-1970s, long before these terms became part of the common lexicon. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, founded the program used within SMAC over 50 years ago. That part of his philosophy, which encapsulates these ideals, can be expressed simply as “Every Child Can Learn”. Children from throughout the state, representing every walk of life, participate in the programs offered through SMAC and its seven branches. All children are welcomed, are nurtured in the instrumental programs and developed in capacities beyond just their musical abilities. Reflecting the diversity of children and youth who have been part of our program, the adult members of SMAC come from every walk of life. This attitude of diversity, equity, and inclusion naturally extends itself to these folks: our teachers and our leaders – and our leaders are teachers! All adults who are committed to music education and the teaching of the Suzuki Method, who are eager to improve themselves through their own practice and continuing education, and are passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential, are welcome to become teachers and leaders within our organization. |
| SMAC Board of Directors Linda Piatt (San Diego), President Wendy Waggener (LA Branch), Vice-President Jim Guerin (San Diego), Treasurer Rebecca Boblak (BAPB), Secretary Carolyn Shannon, (Coastal), Membership Director Rebecca Boblak, BAPB Branch Representative Suzanne Lambert, Coastal Branch Representative Caroline Salisbury, LA Branch Representative Linda Carrier-Teachout, OC Piano Branch Representative Julia Gustafson, OC Strings Branch Representative Amanda Limon, San Diego Branch Representative Nora Grafton, SANC Branch Representative | Corporate Address:
1968 S Coast Hwy Suite 858
Laguna Beach CA 92651 Federal EIN: 95-3178125 © 2023-2026 Suzuki Music Association of California |
Suzuki Music Association of California is an official Chapter Affiliate of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. |