About GPSA
Our Mission Statement
The purpose of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association is to
Develop a community of students, teachers, and families with noble hearts through a positive, and inclusive environment that honors Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's belief that every child without exception can learn
Act as a resource to connect and engage a diverse community of educators, to nurture a culture of continuous learning, and the pursuit of excellence
Provide Suzuki students with opportunities for growth through shared community events and opportunities
Promote and uphold the principles and ethics of the Suzuki Association of the Americas
GPSA Board of Directors
President – Lionel Thomas
Vice President, Piano - Rebekah Waggoner
Vice President, Strings - Chiara Ferrero
Secretary – Vacant
Treasurer – Hannah Klinetob
Amanda Hockenberger (elect)
Membership – Jacob Ginn
Member-at-Large - Ben Lougheed
Member-at-Large – Shelley Beard Santore
Webmaster - Ryan Beebe
We offer our members
Educational workshops for teachers, students, and parents
Play-ins
Graduation certification and recitals
Student workshop
Area-wide concerts
Scholarships for teacher development
Student Summer Institute scholarships
Social and networking events
Teachers need to be current members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas to join GPSA.
Our Greater Philadelphia region includes Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs, west as far as Lancaster, PA and Wilmington DE, north to Bethlehem, east to Princeton NJ, and south to New Jersey cities bordering Philadelphia. Some members travel even further for our events!
In October 2005 GPSA became the 7th official affiliate chapter of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, which greatly broadened its connections throughout the Western Hemisphere.
GPSA Initiative to Increase Diversity
GPSA believes that our community is strongest when it reflects the diversity of the people we serve. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable Suzuki community by intentionally diversifying our leadership, expanding our teacher network, and ensuring our student events are accessible and welcoming to all. We hold ourselves accountable through continuous evaluation, ensuring that inclusion remains at the heart of every decision we make.
Support Us!
As a GPSA patron, you make a statement that you recognize the impact the arts have in the life of a child. Please help us as we work to continue Dr. Suzuki’s dream of creating beautiful people with beautiful hearts through music! Thank you for supporting the teachers, families, and students of the Greater Philadelphia Suzuki Association and making a difference in our community.
