 |
|
Suzuki Graduation The Suzuki Graduation tradition originated in Japan. Dr. Suzuki would wake up around 5:00 a.m. every morning and listen to hundreds of tape recordings sent to him from all over Japan. Dr. Suzuki incorporated a Suzuki Graduation System in which students, when they reached certain playing levels, would record polished review pieces, and in return, would receive Dr. Suzuki’s constructive comments about their playing. This was a celebration of accomplishment. It was never a “pass or fail” situation, since Dr. Suzuki trusted that a teacher would only have a student prepare and submit a recording when he or she was musically ready. Dr. Suzuki also knew it was the process of preparing these recordings in which the real learning and progress took place. Please see below for our graduation process. |
Graduation Requirements and Notes
|
Evaluation Criteria Basics: beautiful tone, fluency, memory, steady rhythm, accurate pitch Artistry: phrasing, dynamics, musical timing, style character, articulation Both areas of evaluation are considered for all levels and all instruments. Evaluation based on these criteria are considered as it is appropriate for the level, understanding that these skills become more refined as the student progresses through the repertoire. | Instruments Represented SMAC-SDB currently offers graduation for the following instruments:
|
Recording Guidelines Graduation Levels for each Instrument: Graduation levels for each instrument can be found here. Accompaniment: You may wish to record with piano accompaniment or perform unaccompanied. The accompaniment can be either live or pre-recorded. Pre-recorded accompaniments may NOT contain the solo part. If the student cannot be heard clearly, they will be asked to re-record. Playing unaccompanied is also acceptable, provided that the tempo and rhythm are appropriate. Your SMAC teacher will help you choose the presentation that is best for you. Recording Format: The graduation recording may be either a video or audio file, but videos are strongly preferred.This file should be uploaded to a Drive, Dropbox or unlisted Youtube video channel prior to registering students for the graduation. The graduation registration form provides a field to enter a link to your recording. Multiple Levels: A student may graduate from a maximum of two levels at any one graduation. Separate recordings must be made for each level, and the registration fee will be adjusted accordingly for the second evaluation. To keep the recital at a reasonable length, students may only perform one piece in any one graduation recital Deadlines: Deadlines vary somewhat each year but usually close to October 20 for Winter Graduation, and April 20 for Spring Graduation. Recordings can be made whenever the student is ready, and then submitted when deadline is close. Graduation Level Pieces can be found here. Evaluation: The Graduation Committee reviews recordings and provide constructive feedback to the student. Information about the recital and rehearsal including dates, times, and location of rehearsals will be emailed to teachers and families of registrants as soon at it becomes available. The Graduation Committee may decide that the recording does not meet the set standards. In this case, students have the option to submit another recording within two weeks. If they choose to wait and try again for the next graduation, they will be subject to another registration fee. |
Graduation Process |
Step 1
Prepare your graduation piece.
Graduation Level Pieces can be found here.
Your current playing level should be at least half a book ahead of your gradation piece.
Be sure your teacher is a SMAC member. (see Teacher Directory)
Step 2
Make your recording.
A video (strongly preferred), or audio recording can made in any appropriate location.
Remember that the student's playing must be clearly audible and that accompaniments must not contain the solo part.
Upload your recording to either Drive, Dropbox or YouTube.
Step 3
Register for the Graduation Event.
You must register for the Graduation Event in order to have your recording reviewed by the Graduation Committee. Your evaluation, will then be emailed to your SMAC teacher.
Dates, times, and locations of rehearsals and the recital will be provided to all registrants.
Step 4
Choose your recital piece.
Together with your SMAC teacher, choose a recital piece that demonstrates the highest level of polish with respect to all graduation evaluation criteria.
Memorization is strongly encouraged at the graduation recital.
Your SMAC teacher provides this program information to the Graduation Committee according to the timeline given.
If your teacher does not provide program information by the given deadline, the student must perform their graduation piece.
Graduation Recitals Next Recital Event Registration - March 22, 2026 |
Recitals and rehearsals with piano accompaniment usually take place twice a year. Exact times and locations vary as they are dependent on availability Students may perform the graduation piece or another piece for the recital; however, if their teacher does not email the graduation committee the name and composer of the piece by the deadline then the student must perform their graduation piece. Recital piece must be selected at least one month before the recital. |
|
