Kerstin Wartberg, pioneer of the Suzuki Method in Germany, has a fascinating story to tell. The history of classical music runs deep in German culture. Would the Germans be open to a "new" method of teaching violin? What would she have to face? Yes she has a number of publications, but why? What is the background behind these publications?

The video sets the stage for Kerstin's story. It outlines her cultural background, Dr. Suzuki, and how they planned together to bring the Suzuki Method to the Germans.

Over the next few weeks I will post her interview. Her interview is extensive due to her generosity and willingness to share. You'll hear from her extensive background about her relationship with the Suzukis, background about her publications, teacher training and wonderful stories about Dr. Suzuki. For now, simply enjoy the video and Kerstin's biography.

I'm quite excited to share her story with you. Feel free to share her story as well. Kerstin and I also look forward to your comments.

As a United States citizen I take many things for granted. Being open minded and willing to adopt new ideas is easier to do when you live in a country that supports many cultures. Interviewing Kerstin has been a huge awakening for me in this regard. Dr. Suzuki, on the other hand, knew full well the difficulties Kerstin would face. He took it upon himself to not only teach her but to face her difficulties with strength and resolve.

Many thanks to Janet Gesme who translated Kerstin's interview from German to English. Janet, a violist who has turned her musical ear towards the study of languages, is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in German. She is self taught in Russian and Spanish. Her training as a musician has served her well in her language studies!

Kerstin Wartberg:

Kerstin Wartberg received her professional musical education at the conservatory (Musikhochschule) of Cologne and graduated there with violin performance and teaching degrees. After her graduation in Germany she went to Japan for two years where she was the first German to study at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. She graduated in 1981. In 1982 she became and still is the director of the teacher training program at the German Suzuki Institute.

She regularly organizes workshops, training courses and concerts. In 1987, she was the Director of the 8th Suzuki Method International Conference at the International Congress Center Berlin with about 4000 active participants from more than 32 different countries. Kerstin Wartberg works in Europe as an examiner for Suzuki teacher training examinations. She is Professor of Music Education at the Musikhochschule Frankfurt (University of Frankfurt) where she teaches instrumental music education and string pedagogy. She gets invited regularly to teach and lecture at different universities, conservatories, European conferences, workshops and festivals.

She is the author of several teaching books and CDs as well as the Step by Step series of violin exercise books with companion CDs, all published by Alfred Publishing This series based on Dr. Suzuki's Method was drafted by Kerstin Wartberg at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan, between 1981 and 1986, approved by Dr. Suzuki and tested by numerous Suzuki teachers, their students, and parents. Step by Step represents a source of Suzuki's instrumental concepts as well as specific instructions concerning the individual pieces, both in written and audio form. Many of the publications are available in German, English, French and Spanish.

Kerstin Wartberg's website: http://en.germansuzuki.de/

Part 1

Part 2

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