The Violas are Coming!

By Naomi

01st September 2024

Something quite extraordinary happened in the first week of July 2024 in Viterbo, Italy. 

Organized by Cesmi Aps in collaboration with the Italian Suzuki Institute and under the able guidance of Teacher Trainer Joanne Martin, 9 Violists, two Level 4’s and seven, yes seven Level 5’s were examined over the two days of July 6th and 7th and adjudicated worthy of the levels obtained.

The Examiner Panel comprising of Mysie Ferguson, Genevieve Prost and Joanne Martin awarded the ESA Diploma of Teaching to all seven Level 5 candidates.

The Violists examined represented the countries of Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, and England, and it is an important indication of the growing interest within the European Suzuki Association for the Viola as something more than a tenor Violin.

The group that met in Viterbo, Italy was also actively supported and coached by the Viola Instructor Sam Knopps from Belgium which makes this group into eleven passionate teachers and performers self-baptized as the fellowship “Viola Friends Forever”.

From the enthusiasm and excitement generated by the last 3 years of Viola Teacher Training in Italy, Violists from all over Europe should take heart that something seismic has happened and that yes THE VIOLAS ARE
COMING!

These proud teachers and many more Violists from all over Europe, will be meeting in Beukenhof Netherlands November 15-17 for the next big European Viola event - ESVG .  Join them and let us celebrate together this real Viola renaissance!

Suzuki Viola

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