Suzuki Association of the Americas honors Centenary faculty member
Charles Regauer, viola and violin teacher at Centenary Suzuki, was recognized as a Viola Teacher Trainer for the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Regauer received the honor during the 2026 SAA/ASTA Conference, held February 25-28 in San Francisco, CA.
Becoming a Teacher Trainer is a significant professional milestone that takes many years to achieve. It requires demonstrating consistent success of teaching students at all levels, submitting extensive video documentation of teaching, and undergoing multiple rounds of evaluation and mentorship by colleagues.
“I am especially grateful for Centenary College's long-standing support of the Centenary Suzuki School,” said Regauer. “This achievement is only possible within a community that values excellence in teaching and long-term student development.”
This recognition reflects not only pedagogical skills, but also a deep commitment to Dr. Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy that every child can learn in a positive and nurturing environment.
“I am deeply honored to have been recognized as a Viola Teacher Trainer for the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The designation was conferred during the 2026 SAA/ASTA Conference, held February 25-28 in San Francisco, California,” said Regauer.
Regauer has been teaching violin and viola since 2006 and has completed extensive training in all Suzuki Books for both instruments. recently received the SAA Certificate of Achievement in violin and viola. He has taught at Suzuki workshops and summer institutes across the United States, Brazil, and Mexico. Rooted in the Suzuki philosophy, Charles focuses on nurturing each child through encouragement, consistency, and a joyful connection to music--whether teaching Bach, scales, movie themes, or leading group classes in a T-Rex costume. His work supports not only individual students but also strengthens the musical culture of the Shreveport community through long-term family engagement.
With this certification, Regauer can train and mentor Suzuki teachers in association with his work at Centenary. Activities will take place both locally and in partnership with programs across the United States and abroad. This connection allows Centenary to remain part of a wider network of teacher education while continuing the Centenary Suzuki School's nearly 50-year tradition of serving students and families.
The Suzuki Method is an approach to music education developed by Japanese violinist and educator Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. His philosophy is based on the belief that every child can learn when placed in a positive and supportive environment, much like the way children naturally learn to speak their native language. In Suzuki education, students begin at a young age (sometimes 3 or 4) and develop their skills through careful listening, repetition, and step-by-step guidance from the teacher, with parents actively involved in the learning process. Lessons are combined with group classes and frequent performances, creating a strong musical community where students learn not only technique, but also confidence, discipline, and collaboration. For nearly 50 years, the Centenary Suzuki School has brought this philosophy to families in the Shreveport community, offering high-quality violin, viola, and cello instruction while nurturing both musical ability and beautiful character.
About the Centenary Suzuki School
Laura Crawford founded the Centenary Suzuki School (CSS) in 1977, building on the model of the University of Texas String Project started by Phyllis Young. Based at Centenary’s Hurley School of Music, the CSS is the only college-affiliated Suzuki program in the state of Louisiana. Crawford and the CSS faculty have educated over 1,000 students since the inception of the program. Crawford is Director of the school, and Charles Regauer serves as CSS Administrator as well as viola and violin teacher. Other faculty members teaching violin, viola, and cello are Dan Santelices, Adrienne Gabriel, Elizabeth Beck, Elizabeth McShane, and Megan Savage. Families who enroll go through an introductory class and education process to establish parental involvement that is a key ingredient in the program. To apply or sign up for the waiting list, visit centenarysuzuki.com.