Suzuki - Experience the Joy of Music

My preferred teaching methodology is the Suzuki approach as it best aligns with the creation of an enjoyable and supportive musical environment that meets with my philosophy and teaching goals.

The Suzuki violin method is renowned for its repertoire, which includes a variety of pieces that are both pedagogically valuable and musically enriching. Common pieces from the early books include "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations," "Lightly Row," and "Song of the Wind." As students progress, they encounter more complex pieces like "Minuet 1" by Bach and "Gavotte" by Gossec. These pieces are carefully selected to build technical skills and musicality, providing a solid foundation for young violinists. The Suzuki method's approach, emphasizing listening and repetition, allows students to deeply absorb and express the music as they grow.

The Suzuki Method of Talent Education has been and is widely used in violin studios and conservatories around the world. Interestingly, a majority of today's conservatory students, concert artists, and, professional musicians started their instruction within a Suzuki styled teaching environment.

Fifty years ago, the Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. Applying the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, he referred to his method as the mother-tongue approach or Talent Education.

The method's guiding philosophy advocates that "every child has ability" and seeks to establish a learning environment which will encourage any child to become a happy, loving and talented human being.

Parental Role

• As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. 
• They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” and practice partners during the week. 
• One parent often learns to play before the child, so that they understand what the child is expected to do. 
• Parents (caregiver, guardian, grandparent, who is supporting the child in the learning process) work with the teacher to create an      enjoyable learning environment. 
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How does Talent Education differ from other methods of teaching music to children?

• Suzuki teachers believe that musical ability can be developed in all children.
• Students may begin at young ages.
• Parents play an active role in the learning process.
• Children become comfortable with the instrument before learning to read music.
• Technique is taught in the context of pieces rather than through dry technical exercises.
• Pieces are refined through constant review.
• Students perform frequently, individually and in groups.
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The four basic principles of Suzuki’s teaching methods are: 

• Listening
• Proper technique
• Motivation
• Reinforcement.