SUZUKI GRADUATION
An intrinsic and integral part of the Suzuki approach
Dates & Location:
*Application process listed below
Application Submission Deadline: February 1st, 2026
Suzuki Graduation Concert: 3:00 pm on March 29th, 2026
Location: Lassiter Concert Hall
2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066
What is Suzuki Graduation?
Suzuki Graduation is a worldwide event started and encouraged by Dr. Suzuki. Dr. Suzuki chose a piece from each book that represented the musical and technical skills acquired in that book. Students from all over the world would send Dr. Suzuki recordings of these pieces for his approval and feedback.
SAGA continues this tradition with our annual Graduation Concert for violin, viola, cello, and guitar students. Each student who participates will:
*This is NOT a pass or fail situation. However, since the graduation piece should demonstrate mastery of skills, students and teachers are encouraged to apply ONLY once students are playing repertoire at least half a book past the graduation piece.
Suzuki Graduation is a worldwide event started and encouraged by Dr. Suzuki. Dr. Suzuki chose a piece from each book that represented the musical and technical skills acquired in that book. Students from all over the world would send Dr. Suzuki recordings of these pieces for his approval and feedback.
SAGA continues this tradition with our annual Graduation Concert for violin, viola, cello, and guitar students. Each student who participates will:
- Prepare a polished video performance of the specified graduation piece
- Perform as a group with all other students graduating from their level at the Graduation Concert.
- Receive a written evaluation from an experienced SAGA professional focusing on posture, memorization, tone, technical accuracy, musicianship, and stage presence
- Receive a certificate with a ribbon and a unique pin color representing each graduation level
*This is NOT a pass or fail situation. However, since the graduation piece should demonstrate mastery of skills, students and teachers are encouraged to apply ONLY once students are playing repertoire at least half a book past the graduation piece.
Why should my student apply?
Students are highly encouraged to apply for Graduation whenever possible so that they can experience new levels of excellence through this amazing opportunity. As students work towards the goal of Graduation, they learn how to create an exceptional recording, evaluate their own sound, develop concentration and discipline through repetition, and perform at a high level with other students from across the entire state. Performing at a Graduation Concert is a true achievement because each graduation piece represents a significant, universally recognized milestone in the development of a students's technical and musical abilities.
Students are highly encouraged to apply for Graduation whenever possible so that they can experience new levels of excellence through this amazing opportunity. As students work towards the goal of Graduation, they learn how to create an exceptional recording, evaluate their own sound, develop concentration and discipline through repetition, and perform at a high level with other students from across the entire state. Performing at a Graduation Concert is a true achievement because each graduation piece represents a significant, universally recognized milestone in the development of a students's technical and musical abilities.
How does the application process work?
This year, we are encouraging teachers to apply on behalf of their students to help streamline the application process. We have created a special form for teachers to fill out, though if a student needs to apply individually, they can still do so. To apply:
1. All teachers must join SAGA or renew SAGA membership
2. Check the Graduation Criteria and make sure to look at your specific instrument
3. If you are a TEACHER, fill out the 2026 SAGA Teacher Graduation Application
If you are a PARENT and are filling out the graduation form INDIVIDUALLY, fill out the 2026 Parent Graduation Application
4. Send all payments in one of the following ways:
300 Brooke Wood Drive
Peachtree City GA 30269
This year, we are encouraging teachers to apply on behalf of their students to help streamline the application process. We have created a special form for teachers to fill out, though if a student needs to apply individually, they can still do so. To apply:
1. All teachers must join SAGA or renew SAGA membership
2. Check the Graduation Criteria and make sure to look at your specific instrument
3. If you are a TEACHER, fill out the 2026 SAGA Teacher Graduation Application
If you are a PARENT and are filling out the graduation form INDIVIDUALLY, fill out the 2026 Parent Graduation Application
4. Send all payments in one of the following ways:
- Zelle at suzukiassociationofgeorgia.com
- Paypal
- Mail check made payable to Suzuki Association of Georgia or money order to:
300 Brooke Wood Drive
Peachtree City GA 30269
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