Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong

"Music Exists for the purpose of growing an admirable heart" ~Shinichi Suzuki

Reflections from San Francisco

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Ayden, Camy, Emma W, Hanson and Linnea all had the opportunity to participate in the North American SAA/ASTA collocated Conference in San Francisco. After submitting an audition early in the fall term, Camy, Emma, Hanson and Linnea were selected to participate in the Early Music Ensemble. Ayden was selected to perform in the violin ensemble.

The Early Music Ensemble included string players, singers, and recorder players. Altogether, there were around 20-25 students who participated. They had a session with an expert on the baroque bow, as well as rehearsing their pieces for performance, having the opportunity to attend other sessions, and culminating in their own performance at the Friday morning keynote. One thing the host talked about at the Friday morning session was that this was likely the only place in the world where a performance by an Early Music Ensemble would be the “opening act” for a speaker who was an expert in AI and how it will impact musicians in the future.

Ayden’s successful audition allowed him to be part of a 30 member group of students who worked together to prepare to play the 3rd mvt. of Kabalevsky Concerto. His group also had several rehearsals together as well as the opportunity to attend other sessions before their performance on the Friday evening Keynote.

Here are some reflections of the students about their experiences:

~Ayden

This was an exciting opportunity to play in a music ensemble. First, an interesting musical aspect was how the group worked on playing the piece as telling a story, such as a gradual crescendo in a 16th note section leading to the climax of the piece, imagining trills as “sharks” or working on making the cadenza sound like a conversation. Next, I also enjoyed listening to other groups’ performances during the event. Lastly, I learnt how to play together as a large ensemble. For example, we worked on ending trills at the same time, and use bow divisions, dynamics and articulation to fit different sections of the piece. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed watching an NBA basketball game in person.

~ Camy

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the SAA conference was learning more about the baroque style in the Early Music Ensemble and getting to experiment with the baroque bows.

The best non-musical part was seeing everyone from HK again and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow. I also learned more about working in a chamber group from a chamber masterclass.

Emma

In my opinion, the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was the masterclasses. It was very interesting to see kids around my age play and improve with the help of the masterclass teacher. The things discussed there were also applicable for me, which made the class not only educational for the students but also for me. 

The best non-musical part of the experience was being able to see my relatives who also came to the concert. 

Something I learnt was that violin strings actually used to be made out of pig intestines.

~ Hanson

The best musical aspect of this experience was using the baroque bows and playing in a baroque style. The way you held the bows and where you played in the bow were really different, and also generated a way more articulated sound. In terms of the playing, we played in a more flowy instead of articulated style, for example in the Bach double, we played the 8th notes more legato and musical, opposed to the articulated way we usually play it. I was also really amazed at how many different orchestras and students from around the world came together to form orchestras and chamber groups, as well as the many suzuki teachers that came to the conference. In this experience, I learnt a lot about music back in the baroque period and about the different instrument they used, such as the harpsichord and the recorder, and how they played those instruments. Outside of the conference, I enjoyed going on the zipline in Las Vegas.

~Linnea

I think the most interesting musical aspect of the experience was getting to learn more about the baroque style of music and also listening in on a chamber music masterclass.

The best non-musical aspect of this experience was becoming friends with my stand partner and exploring San Francisco.

Something I learned from this experience was how to use a baroque bow and different bowing styles.

Teacher Trainer Zohara Rotem talks with SMAHK Parents

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by Ms Silvia

On April 26th  2025, we had a special parent seminar at SMAHK with Ms Zohara Rotem in Australia live on zoom. Ms Zohara is a famous Suzuki piano teacher trainer who specialised in nurturing parents and teachers. It is such a privilege to have her joined us live and talk to us face to face. 

Ms Zohara shared her insight of the Suzuki triangle between the teacher parent and Student. She ensure the importance of the role of parent, also understands the difficulty and pressure of it. By using Dr Suzuki’ quote “Man is the son of his environment”, she explained how the children sees and listens to their teacher only once or twice a week but every single days with their parents. She emphasised that playing the Suzuki recording to the children daily is one of he most essential part of building the mother tongue music environment. Ms Zohara addressed the problem of over scheduling a child. She explained how it could effect the child’s overall wellbeing physically and psychologically. She urged the parents to reflect on what the most important thing they valued and priorities the schedule around it. Ms Zohara encouraged us to have the courage to listen to our heart and make wise decisions for our children. 

Ms Zohara answered a few questions of our parents. She explained that it is a gradual process how he Suzuki triangle roles changed at different period of learning stage. Parent sits back bit by bit according to the readiness of being independent of the child. Suzuki parent always there supporting their child. 

SMAHK Cellists Join 70th Anniversary Concert in Tokyo!

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by Ms Silvia

2025 is the 70th anniversary of Suzuki cello this year! Three weeks ago, on the Sunday of April 6th, I was so lucky to participate in the 26th Suzuki Method Cello Grand Concert at Tokyo together with three cello students. 

The concert was took place at the famous Bunkyo Civic Hall with the attendance of Her Imperial Princess Takamado. It started with the Rachmaninoff cello Sonata performed by Mr. Hiroyasu Yamamoto (Suzuki Method lecturer in cello department), followed by student cello ensemble performance. One of the highlights was seeing our dear “teacher on CD” Mr. Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. Yes! The cello master who recorded book 1-8 Suzuki cello CDs. It meant so much to all the Suzuki cellists to finally meet him in person. Mr Tsutsumi was originally asked to perform, but due to his ongoing treatment of arthritis, he gave an on-stage talk instead. 

The second half of the concert was the grand play in. It started from Book 9 Haydn Cello Concerto first movement. There were about 40 students playing the solo part accompanied by the Suzuki student orchestra. Although it is a very advanced and technically demanding repertoire, they made it looked so easy and sounded so perfectly together. Then it was the traditional play-in which show case a selected repertoire from Book 8 back to Book 1. The last performance was the Twinkle Theme and Variations. There were more than 200 students on stage at this moment. Twinkle is always the last performance of all Suzuki Play in, no matter how many times I hear the students play, I always feel deeply moved at this moment. I was so impressed by the pure intonation and great passionate energy from all the students. The rich warm cello tone filled the hall and gave me goosebumps.

After the concert, I rushed back to the backstage to congratulate my students. They all looked so excited and their eyes filled with joy. Lucia kept saying to me “it felt like the whole world was thrilling resonance with me! And how did so many little ones played so well and advanced? They must practice very hard! I need to go home and practice right now! ”

 This was a truly memorable experience for all of us to be part of this great event. 

Here are the official event photos: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EuFfzq2Qi/

MusiCares visits the Home of Loving Faithfulness

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13 members of SMAHK’s MusiCares secondary student community service outreach team had the opportunity to visit the Home of Loving Faithfulness (HOLF).

HOLF is a home for the physically and developmentally disabled. Started in 1965 by two women who were missionaries from the UK, HOLF residents are often found as abandoned children.

HOLF provides a home and lifelong care for its children, having currently 15 residents and a waiting list that they cannot admit due to lack of staffing. Because of the severity of each person’s condition, it takes an average of two full-time staff to care for one HOLF resident. Care is provided 24/7.

Although direct interaction was limited due to HOLF concerns about germs, it was obvious that the residents appreciated and enjoyed the MusiCares students’ music. In addition to performing for the residents, HOLF treated MusiCares to a tour of the grounds, including their dormitory and a sensory garden.

In spite of their own financial struggles, HOLF also provided sandwiches, drinks, and treats for the MusiCares team after the tour.

They were especially grateful that students brought individual donations of Ensure to go along with what SMAHK provided as a donation by the school.

This was a very meaningful and eye opening experience for our students. Here are their reflections on the experience:

“This was a new experience for me. Even though the people there were struggling to communicate, I could tell they enjoyed our playing. Perhaps they were empowered to learn how to play music, and I think playing music is a brilliant way for them to communicate. Hopefully there will be an opportunity for them to do so.”

“Through this opportunity, I was able to learn more about the lifestyle that some disabled people have in Hong Kong. This experience has taught me to be grateful about having a loving family. I hope that this experience brought hope showed students awareness regarding the less privileged people among our community.”

“I think that this was an incredibly enlightening experience that allowed us to learn more about the treatment of disabled people, and I also think that it was very impressive for two people to start a home for the disabled that has lasted for almost 59 years despite being understaffed in recent years, and it would be very beneficial to them if we would try to raise more awareness for them and disabled people in Hong Kong as well.”

“To me, the experience to be able to visit and perform in a home for disabled was a great opportunity. Not only did I enjoy performing, but I also was able to observe the residents and the HOFL, and helped me get a better understanding of disabled people’s living conditions and the history of the HOLF. As it was one of my first times I was seeing much different living conditions than I originally thought.”

“It was a very new and unique experience for me because it was one of the first times I had to do something in front of people with disorders that I remember.”

“I think it’s wonderful that two people started this amazing organisation for disabled people.”

“Overall it was a highly enriching and rewarding experience. It was great that coming from a point of privilege, we were able to bring hope and joy to those who are not as fortunate as we are.”

“Thank you so much for doing what you are doing it is helping a lot of people. I hope more people decide to volunteer for this cause.”

“The people there are getting cared and loved, which is what they should all deserve. Hope we can come again soon!”

“I think we should help raise more awareness for this issue. As mentioned in the tour, HOLF suffers from a lack of man power. If we were to do more or host fundraising we could help more people.”

“I think the fact that these people were abandoned as children very worrying, and I know as much as this foundation does, many more of the disabled will continue to be mistreated.”

“Despite the short performance, I think we were able to bring joy to the residents of HOLF. Seeing the residents and their living situation was eye-opening, making me realise how small actions, like performing or volunteering can make a big difference.”

“We don’t often have opportunities to see or experience what people with disabilities do. It is near impossible for us to know what others have been through. Before coming to HOLF, I did not think much of what others may have been through as I had other work to worry about. But after learning more about the hardships with having a disability and how much people are required to take care of just one disabled person it causes my heart to ache. Only have emotions won’t help others. If we have more opportunities to help others through donation and sharing music, it could quickly brighten up some else’s day. Not only donating can help others, it is also really important to help raise awareness so others can receive more help. As a student, I can help by joining initiatives for these causes as well as continue doing my part as a responsible and open-minded resident that can continue sharing music and donating goods.”

Suzuki Music Academy of Hong Kong believes:

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