Introduction

Kimberly Meier-Sims, director of the Sato Center for Suzuki Studies at 58³Ô¹ÏÍø, is a registered violin teacher trainer through the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Meier-Sims trains 58³Ô¹ÏÍø conservatory students to be Suzuki teachers through the two-year graduate Suzuki teacher-training program. The program is part of a unique Master of Music dual degree in violin, viola or cello performance and Suzuki pedagogy. As a faculty member in the Suzuki program, she teaches young violin students, conducts an introductory class for Suzuki parents, and directs a program of over 100 Suzuki students in violin, viola, cello, bass and piano. Meier-Sims is in demand as a Suzuki teacher and teacher-trainer, having taught at workshops and summer Suzuki Institutes throughout the U.S. and internationally in Ireland and England.

Education

  • BM in education and violin performance, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; studied with John Kendall, the founder of the Suzuki Method in the United States
  • MA in violin performance and Suzuki pedagogy, Western Illinois University; studied with Almita Vamos
  • Additional studies in violin and pedagogy, Talent Education Research Institute in Matsumoto, Japan; studied with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
  • Additional studies in Suzuki pedagogy, Preucil School of Music in Iowa City; studied with the founder of the school, Doris Preucil

Teaching Experience

58³Ô¹ÏÍø (2004–present)

University of Memphis Scheidt School of Music (1996–2004)

  • Conducted the two-year graduate Suzuki violin teacher-training program
  • Coordinated the Suzuki String Program
  • Directed the University of Memphis Suzuki String Institute

Preucil School of Music in Iowa City (1984–1996)

  • Violin instructor