Welcome to theHeart of America Suzuki Association! |
WHAT IS GRADUATION?
In Japan, Dr. Suzuki established a graduation program which created a process of polishing and reviewing certain pieces in the Suzuki repertoire to a very high level, recording those polished pieces, and having a group concert featuring the students to recognize their achievements. It is our honor to continue this tradition. All students who fulfill the requirements below are welcome to submit a graduation application. Graduation is a celebration of accomplishment.
WHEN:
Graduation locations for 2026 Graduation Recitals. The string and piano student graduation recital is TBD. All flute students will celebrate graduation at the UMKC Suzuki Flute Institute. You may still participate without attending the recital. Graduation is open to all students who would are nominated by their teacher.
String and Piano Graduation Recital - DATE TBD
Location: TBD
Rehearsal: TBD
Performance: TBD
Flute Graduation Recital
Grant Recital Hall, University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory
5200 Charlotte St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Rehearsal: TBD
Performance: Friday, July 3rd at 11am
AUDITION TIMELINE:
Graduation recordings are due by May 15, 2026!
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Students must be studying with and be recommended by a teacher who is an active member of the Heart of America Suzuki Association.
2. Video Recording -- Students must make a recording of the piece(s) appropriate to their current level of study (see grid below). Students who have participated in graduation before should submit a recording at their current level. Students who have not participated in graduation before, and who are qualified to enter at an upper level, must send a recording of their current level and all prior levels. Videos must be posted on YouTube and may be unlisted. Both accompaniment and memorization are optional for 2026.
3. If students are applying on multiple instruments they must send additional recordings and payment for each instrument.
4. Submit the application, recording, and $30 fee by May 15th.
Check back soon for the application!
RECORDING REQUIREMENTS
| Violin | Current level : | Submit a recording of: |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Level 1A | Perpetual Motion | Twinkle Theme and Variations |
| Graduation Level 1B | Late Book 1 | Perpetual Motion |
| Graduation Level 1C | Book 2 | TBD |
Graduation Level 1D |
Book 3 | Gossec: Gavotte |
| Graduation Level 2 | Book 4 | Boccherini: Minuet |
| Graduation Level 3 | Late Book 4 | Bach: Bourrée |
| Graduation Level 4 | Book 5 | Vivaldi: a minor, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 5 | Book 6 | Vivalid: g minor, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 6 | Book 7 | Corelli: La Folia |
| Graduation Level 7 | Book 8 | Bach: a minor, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 8 | Book 9 |
Eccles: any two movements |
| Graduation Level 9 | Book 10 | Mozart: A Major, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 10 | Beyond the Books | Mendelssohn: Concerto, 1st mvt |
| Viola | Current level: | Submit a recording of: |
| Graduation Level PT | Late Book 1 | Twinkle Theme and Variations |
| Graduation Level 1 | Book 3 | Gossec: Gavotte |
| Graduation Level 2 | Book 4 |
Gavotte in G minor |
| Graduation Level 3 | Book 5 |
Telemann Concerto Mvt. II |
| Graduation Level 4 | Book 6 | Pergolessi: Nina |
| Graduation Level 5 | Book 7 | Bach: Suite No. 1 - Prelude |
| Graduation Level 6 | Book 8 | Handel/Casadesus: Concerto in B minor |
| Graduation Level 7 | Book 9 | Mendelssohn: Song Without Words |
| Graduation Level 8 | Bruch: Romanze | |
| Cello | Current level: | Submit a recording of: |
| Graduation Level PT | Late Book 1 | Twinkle Theme and Variations |
| Graduation Level 1 | Book 3 | Bach: Minuet No. 2 (last piece in Book 1) |
| Graduation Level 2 | Book 4 | Beethoven: Minuet in G |
| Graduation Level 3 | Book 5 | Vivaldi: e minor Sonata, 1st and 2nd mvts |
| Graduation Level 4 | Book 7 | Eccles: Sonata, 1st and 2nd mvts |
| Graduation Level 5 | Book 9 | Sammartini: Sonata, complete |
| Graduation Level 6 | Beyond the Books |
Boccherini: Concerto, complete |
| Flute | Current level: | Submit a recording of: |
| Graduation Level 1A | Go Tell Aunt Rhody | Mary Had a Little Lamb |
| Graduation Level 1B | Late Book 1 | Twinkle Theme and Variations |
| Graduation Level 1C | Book 2 | Moon Over the Ruined Castle |
| Graduation Level 1D | Book 3 | Handel: Bourrée |
| Graduation Level 2 | Book 4 | Telemann: Minuet from Suite in A minor |
| Graduation Level 3 | Book 5 | Gluck: Minuet and Dance of the Blessed Spirits |
| Graduation Level 4 | Book 6 | Handel: Allegro from G Major Sonata |
| Graduation Level 5 | Book 7 | Godard: Allegretto |
| Graduation Level 6 | Book 8 | Bach: Polonaise and Badinerie |
| Graduation Level 7 | Book 9 | Genin: Carnival of Venice |
| Graduation Level 8 | Book 10 | Quantz: Concerto, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 9 | Book 11 | Mozart: D Major, 1st mvt |
| Graduation Level 10 | Beyond the Books | Chaminade: Concertino |
| Graduation Level 11 | Beyond the Books | Mozart: G Major, 1st mvt |
| Piano | Current level: | Submit a recording of: |
| Graduation Level PT | Late Book 1 | Twinkle Theme and Variations |
| Graduation Level 1, etc | TBA | TBA |
Follow our activities