About the Suzuki Method

More than forty years ago, Dr. Suzuki realized the implications of the method in which children all over the world learn to speak their native tongue with ease.  He applied these basic principles of language acquisition to music and called his method the mother-tongue approach.  The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement and constant repetition are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.  

Parental Involvement
Parents are involved in the music learning of their child.  The parent is expected to attend lessons with the child and serve as the “home teacher” during the week.  One parent often learns to play before the child so that s/he can better understand what the child is expected to do.  Parents are expected to work with the teacher to develop an enjoyable learning experience and to develop a method of consistent, quality practice.  

Early Beginning
The early years are crucial for development in music and language, as this time period is one of great development in both mental processes and muscle coordination.  Listening to music should be part of a child’s life and formal training can start as young as age three or four, but it is never too late to begin!  

Listening
Children learn words by repetition, listening to music provides the parallel experience in the learning of music.  Listening to music every day, especially the Suzuki repertoire is important so that student can recognize and learn to play the pieces.  

Encouragement
A child’s efforts to learn a new instrument should be awarded with sincere praise and encouragement by both parent and teacher.  Each child learns at his/her own rate, it is important to master each small step before continuing.  Children should also encourage each other in their musical efforts.  

Graded Repertoire
Just as a child builds on individual words to build a vocabulary, it is important to build on each word and skill in playing an instrument.  The Suzuki method the technical exercises that are vital to violin playing are taught using musical pieces, rather than by dry technical exercises.  

Delayed Reading
Children learn to read after their ability to talk is well learned.  In the same way children should master basic competence on their instrument before learning to read notes.  

Talent Education
Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy is one of “Talent Education.”  He did not believe that only certain people are born with “a gift,” or “talent,” rather that each child has infinite potential.  He believed that in teaching the child music, he was in fact creating a medium for the emotional and spiritual growth of the child. (Adapted from the Suzuki Association of the Americans web site)