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The Suzuki Institute of Dallas (SID) was founded in 1973 by Dr. Evelyn Hermann (the previous CEO of the International Suzuki Association), to provide learning opportunities and particularly musical training for children according to the Talent Education Philosophy expounded by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Paul and Lorraine Landefeld, upon Dr. Hermann's retirement in 1986, guided the growth of the Institute to its then enrollment of approximately 160 students. Nicolette Solomon was appointed Executive Director and President in May 2005 after the retirement of Paul and Lorraine Landefeld. The current enrollment of the Suzuki Institute has subsequently grown close to 300 students. Faculty consists of 6 full-time and 6 part-time instructors, with tuition offered in violin, viola, cello, piano, guitar, music theory, composition, harp and flute. The SID regularly invites artists and recognized pedagogues to conduct master classes and workshops for its students and the community. Fabio Bidini, Dr. Doris Harrel, Nancy Locken, Gerardo Ascheri, Brian Lewis, Lucy Shaw and many other fabulous string and piano clinicians from the United States and abroad have been guest teachers at our Institute. The Institute has many ties to Japan. Nicolette Solomon has studied with Dr. Suzuki at The Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan. Paul and Lorraine Landefeld spent two years studying there. In February 1995, SID hosted the Third International Suzuki Piano Basics Workshop and Conference, featuring Mr. Seizo Azuma, Pianist, of Yokohama, Japan, and Dr. Haruko Kataoka, co- founder of the Suzuki Piano method. Also featured were exemplary students of the Talent Education Institute of Matsumoto, Japan. SID has on several occasions hosted the Japanese Children's Tour Group featuring Talent Education students from many parts of Japan. As part of its mission, the Suzuki Institute of Dallas looks for opportunities to create awareness of the Suzuki Philosophy, with its emphasis on early education and the development of character through music education. Riya and Shruthi ready for a gig. The SID is fortunate and proud to attract a diversity of faculty and students and boasts nationalities representing France, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, the USA, South Africa, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Korea and Canada. Several of SID's graduates have gone on to study at Oberlin, Juilliard, Rice, Vanderbilt, USC, Indiana University and other fine schools. All our graduates continue to enjoy and appreciate fine music and art, regardless of the career choices they pursue. The Suzuki Institute of Dallas continues to grow, has an enthusiastic and dedicated staff who are committed to excellence and whose vision will continue to inspire and motivate young musicians.