About the Suzuki Method
Developed by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki more than fifty years ago, the Suzuki Method is a famously effective approach to learning a musical instrument. There are several important aspects of Dr. Suzuki's philosophy, outlined below. For more information about the Suzuki Method, please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website.
Mother-Tongue Method
One of the key elements in this school of thought is what Dr. Suzuki calls the “mother-tongue method.” By the age of five, most children have learned to speak a language fluently, calling to reason that a child has the capability to learn and excel in other mediums as well, given a positive learning environment.
Every Child Can
Suzuki emphasizes that every child is born with ability, which can be developed in spectacular ways.
Early Start
Although it is never too late to start learning a musical instrument, the Suzuki Method emphasizes that children should begin training at a young age to develop muscle coordination. Ideally, the child should be listening to music from birth, and begin lessons no earlier than age 3 or 4, depending on the child.
Parent Involvement
It is essential for parents to be involved in the child's learning of an instrument. Parents are encouraged to learn the basics of the instrument themselves before the child begins, in order to better understand the process, expectations, and the instrument itself. Parents should attend lessons and monitor the child's practicing at home, acting as a "home teacher." A good relationship between the parents, teacher, and child (referred to as the Parent/Child/Teacher triangle) is important for developing a positive learning environment for the child.
Repetition & Step-by-Step Learning
A child learns to speak by hearing constant repetition, and step-by-step adds more and more words until he or she can speak fluently. Applying these principles to other subjects such as music and math can create the same miraculous effect, in a positive, patient, and encouraging environment.
Listening
As children learn to speak by listening to adults speak around them, frequent listening must also be applied to learning music. Children are expected to actively listen to music everyday. As well as listening to the Suzuki repertoire, it is important to also absorb music in other ways, such as attending live concerts, and listening to the classical radio stations and CDs of classical music.
Delayed Reading
Perhaps one of the most controversial philosophies of the Suzuki Method is the concept of delaying the reading of music. However, considering that children learn how to speak before they learn how to read, it logically follows that they should therefore learn how to play their instrument before they learn how to read music. Reading is integrated into lessons when the child is ready, which, depending on the age and interest of the student, can occur anywhere from the middle of Suzuki Book 1 to the beginning of Book 2.
Learning with Other Children
Group Lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki Method, providing an opportunity to learn with other children. Children inspire and motivate one another in ways adults cannot hope to emulate.
Developing Life Skills
Learning to play a musical instrument greatly enhances useful skills for later life, including a positive work ethic, patience, hand/eye coordination, and many more.
Mother-Tongue Method
One of the key elements in this school of thought is what Dr. Suzuki calls the “mother-tongue method.” By the age of five, most children have learned to speak a language fluently, calling to reason that a child has the capability to learn and excel in other mediums as well, given a positive learning environment.
Every Child Can
Suzuki emphasizes that every child is born with ability, which can be developed in spectacular ways.
Early Start
Although it is never too late to start learning a musical instrument, the Suzuki Method emphasizes that children should begin training at a young age to develop muscle coordination. Ideally, the child should be listening to music from birth, and begin lessons no earlier than age 3 or 4, depending on the child.
Parent Involvement
It is essential for parents to be involved in the child's learning of an instrument. Parents are encouraged to learn the basics of the instrument themselves before the child begins, in order to better understand the process, expectations, and the instrument itself. Parents should attend lessons and monitor the child's practicing at home, acting as a "home teacher." A good relationship between the parents, teacher, and child (referred to as the Parent/Child/Teacher triangle) is important for developing a positive learning environment for the child.
Repetition & Step-by-Step Learning
A child learns to speak by hearing constant repetition, and step-by-step adds more and more words until he or she can speak fluently. Applying these principles to other subjects such as music and math can create the same miraculous effect, in a positive, patient, and encouraging environment.
Listening
As children learn to speak by listening to adults speak around them, frequent listening must also be applied to learning music. Children are expected to actively listen to music everyday. As well as listening to the Suzuki repertoire, it is important to also absorb music in other ways, such as attending live concerts, and listening to the classical radio stations and CDs of classical music.
Delayed Reading
Perhaps one of the most controversial philosophies of the Suzuki Method is the concept of delaying the reading of music. However, considering that children learn how to speak before they learn how to read, it logically follows that they should therefore learn how to play their instrument before they learn how to read music. Reading is integrated into lessons when the child is ready, which, depending on the age and interest of the student, can occur anywhere from the middle of Suzuki Book 1 to the beginning of Book 2.
Learning with Other Children
Group Lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki Method, providing an opportunity to learn with other children. Children inspire and motivate one another in ways adults cannot hope to emulate.
Developing Life Skills
Learning to play a musical instrument greatly enhances useful skills for later life, including a positive work ethic, patience, hand/eye coordination, and many more.