community. Across Europe and beyond, we’ve seen the SUZUKI METHOD™ bring people together in beautiful and meaningful ways. From the European Suzuki Flute Gathering, Guitar Convention, and Piano Days of 2025, to the Violin Workshop in Poland uniting Ukrainian and Polish musicians, to introductory Suzuki courses in South Africa organised by Carol Solomon— each event reflected our shared commitment to nurturing children through music. Looking ahead, we are planning future events such as the European Suzuki Children’s Convention in Istanbul (2026) and the European Suzuki Teachers’ Convention in Norway (2027). Such Suzuki events deepen our bonds and renew our sense of purpose as educators and musicians. A major highlight of this year was the Teacher Trainers’ Conference in Vilnius, themed The Power of Collaboration. Together, we reflected on how to adapt our training procedures to changing times — simplifying procedures, Chair’s Column Anke van der Bijl 4 Still, we hold on to our mission. We believe, as Dr. Suzuki did, that children can save the world. In this spirit, I want to mention a challenge we face. The rise of self-promotion and commercialization—especially through social media—can lead us away from the collaborative spirit that lies at the heart of the SUZUKI METHOD™. Promoting your own courses is, of course, understandable; we all need to sustain our work. But our Method is more than a brand or a business—it is a philosophy rooted in connection: to children, to parents, to each other, and to the world. Let us be cautious not to turn our teaching into isolated, private “Suzuki shops.” The danger is not only fragmentation, but forgetting the deeper cause that unites us. If we begin to see one another as competitors, we risk losing the very spirit that has allowed our work to thrive. Collaboration is more than a theme— it is a necessity. Our association is built not on competition, but on service, generosity, and a shared belief in the transformative power of music education. SUZUKI™ Philosophy is not just something we talk about—it is something we must live. A heartfelt thank you to all teachers, trainers, and volunteers who organise, support, and sustain the Suzuki community. You are the heart of this work, and your commitment makes a difference every day. With gratitude and hope, Anke van der Bijl Chair, European Suzuki Association embracing the positive aspects of online learning, and finding ways to ensure that our systems are both clear and fair. In this ever-shifting landscape, our current teacher trainers are like experienced sherpas: guiding with insight, rooted in years of dedication. They help ensure we do not drift from the heart of our work. It is easy to be swept up in the fast pace of digital life —but Suzuki education asks something deeper and slower of us. As Dr. Suzuki reminded us, true character and talent grow gradually, in the spirit of love and consistency. Within our ESA there are 27 national Suzuki associations, and the ESA covers Europe, Middle East and Africa. We had our annual ESA board meeting in Vilnius. You can find the decisions made at that meeting in the '2025 Board Meeting & AGM Summary. It’s remarkable how often our board—diverse in culture, language, and perspective—reaches unanimous decisions. Perhaps there is a lesson in this for other European institutions. At our core, we are a music education organisation, not a political one. And yet, maintaining international connections in today’s world often means navigating sensitive terrain. European Suzuki Association Dear Colleagues, The past year has been full of inspiring events in our Suzuki
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