The Michigan Music Conference is an annual event that provides relevant professional development and vibrant musical experiences that support music education for educators and their students. The conference features sessions for in-service and pre-service teachers and professional development clinics. The 2015 attendance included approximately 9,000 teachers, administrators, students, speakers, and guests.

I am applying for this grant to help support students from the Department of Music Education to attend an all-day pre-conference session. The session is a 6-hour introduction to the Suzuki Method and Philosophy entitled “Every Child Can! (ECC)” ECC is an introduction to Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy and its application to Suzuki education. The course provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the Suzuki approach to teaching and learning. In addition to exploring the elements of the Suzuki approach and its far-reaching goals, it includes an introduction to learning styles, history of the development of Suzuki education, the role of parents, the importance of Suzuki pedagogical training, and an overview of the SAA’s role in supporting teachers and parents. A fast-paced, engaging and inspiring program, ECC includes video materials and SAA-developed courseware, and provides each participant with useful reference materials (manuals) for later study. For teachers, ECC serves as the first course in the Suzuki Association of the Americas’ Teacher Development Program.