Judy Weigert Bossuat, Suzuki Teacher Trainer & Strings Specialist

Ms. Bossuat was born in a small farming community in upstate New York and decided in 5^th grade to become a music teacher.  Captivated by the Suzuki Method philosophy, she decided in college to change her major instrument from clarinet to violin specifically to be able to teach the method.

A magna cum laude graduate of the State University of New York, Potsdam Crane School of Music, Judy remained in Potsdam to teach in the Suzuki Program with her teacher, Professor Harry Kobialka.  In 1977 she traveled to Japan to begin studies with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto. She graduated from the long-term program in 1978 and returned to do post-graduate work in 1982. Dr. Suzuki’s worked with her and her students in Europe yearly for a week or two 13 different times following her graduation from Japan.

After Japan, she travelled to France where she co-founded the “Ecole de Musique Suzuki de Lyon” with Christophe Bossuat – the first Suzuki School in the country. They trained many children and served as the teacher trainers for France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland; helping those countries develop their own Suzuki Method training centers. Judy served on the Board of Directors for the French National Suzuki Association and the Europe Suzuki Association for 16 years and on her return to the USA was made a lifetime honorary member of both organizations.

Bossuat has been teaching strings, conducting orchestras, and training teachers for almost 40 years. Since leaving France, her career has included faculty positions at California State University - Sacramento, University of the Pacific - Stockton CA and the University of Oregon – Eugene, as well as extensive private and public school teaching and youth orchestra conducting. In addition to her university work and private studio teaching, Bossuat has been a frequent lecturer, conductor, and teacher at over 300 workshops in 15 countries, and 25 states. She is especially known for her work training music teachers both for public school positions and private studio teaching and the enthusiasm and clarity of her instruction for children.

Many of her former students have attended prominent conservatories and are pursuing professional careers soloing and playing in leading orchestras worldwide. Others have become wonderful people highly trained in other professions.

She is an authorized Suzuki Method teacher trainer for the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the European Suzuki Association.

Bossuat has served as secretary of the national American String Teachers Association (ASTA), president of the California ASTA, on the national board of the National String Project Consortium (NSPC) and as orchestra representative on the California MENC Bay Section.

Bossuat was named the “2007 Graduate of Distinction” by the Victor Central School District (N.Y.) She has also received an “Eminence Credential” from the California State Credentialing Board and been named to Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in American Education, and Who's Who in America.

Bossuat has had numerous publications including articles, compositions, and orchestral arrangements. Particularly popular is her theatrical piece for two rappers and beginning orchestra titled “Beginner's Rap,” her two “Takataka Concertos” (one on E and one on A) for beginners and young string orchestra or piano; and her books, Left Hand Development for the Violin and Learning to Sight Read on the Violin .