SIUE Suzuki String Program

Suzuki String Program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. We teach violin, viola, and cello, and give violin and cello Suzuki teacher training.

Founded by John Kendall in 1965, the oldest university based Suzuki program in the United States! Founded by Suzuki Pioneer John Kendall, the SIUE Suzuki Program is dedicated to string instruction for children ages 3-18. The program has been a part of the Edwardsville, IL community for nearly 50 years.

08/11/2026

Recent Grad Oscar, now teaching in Germany, ran into another SIUE Suzuki teacher who once studied with Mr Kendall! Here are Oscar and Päivikki Wirkkala-Malmqvist, from Sweden. They met at the Interlaken Suzuki Festival in Switzerland!

08/08/2026

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

We invite you to join Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as we celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Ruth Slenczynska Kerr (1925–2026), internationally acclaimed concert pianist, SIUE Artist-in-Residence, and professor emerita of music.

Throughout an extraordinary career spanning more than 3,000 performances worldwide, Ruth captivated audiences across the globe, performed with many of the world's leading orchestras, and became the last surviving student of legendary composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff. Her artistry, teaching, and generosity continue to inspire generations of musicians.

Ruth Slenczynska Kerr Memorial Service
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Katherine Dunham Hall Theater, SIUE Campus

The memorial service will feature recorded performances, interview excerpts, photographs, remarks from distinguished guests—including St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin and former Chancellor Randy Pembrook—performances by former students, and reflections from colleagues, family members, friends, and former pupils.

Following the service, guests are invited to a reception in the Katherine Dunham Hall Lobby.

This event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us as we honor Ruth's extraordinary contributions to music, education, and the SIUE community.

07/27/2026

Muchi, recent-ish graduated grad of our Suzuki Program, sent this photo! She is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the grand Teton music festival where her sister is playing.

Photos from SIUE Suzuki String Program's post

07/13/2026

Our Cello Camp met last week! A highlight included a visit from William Harris Lee, a violin shop in Chicago, to try different cellos. Campers also made their annual tie-dye shirts, and played a final concert 🎶 ☺️

07/11/2026

Our official String Development Camp group photos!

07/10/2026

Concert pics set #2
We made signs for our Chamber Groups, also! But where did the Chamber Buddies sign go 🥺, it was not with the others when they were photographed.