What is Suzuki?

The Suzuki method was developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, son of the first Japanese violin-maker.  Born in 1898, he learned violin on his own for many years before traveling to Berlin in the 1920’s for further study.  While struggling with the German language himself, he noted that children all over the world learn to speak their mother tongue easily, regardless of how complicated it might be.  They learn to speak by listening to their parents and then imitating.  Children progress quickly when their efforts are met with praise and encouragement at every step.  Therefore, very young children develop large vocabularies with very little effort.

Suzuki believed the same could be applied to teaching music.   If children were exposed to daily listening and imitation followed by constant repetition, praise, and encouragement, all carried out in a positive learning environment, they were certain to be successful.  During the weekly private lesson, the Suzuki teacher trains the parent to create such an environment for the child at home.  Parental involvement and commitment are very important since the beginning Suzuki student is often as young as 4 years old. 

Suzuki students develop their musical ears before they are introduced to notes on a staff, just as children are not expected to read their language before they speak.  They listen to and learn to play a number of pieces by ear rather than reading notes.   The parents purchase a recording containing the pieces the students will learn so the student can listen as often as possible.  The more they listen, the faster they progress.  When the student develops a centered posture and good tone the Suzuki teacher introduces note reading.

The Suzuki Method is based on the combination of a weekly private lesson and a weekly group class.   The group classes serve to motivate and inspire children of all levels and ages.  In the group classes younger children can play along with and observe the more advanced players, inspiring them to work towards a more advanced level of playing.  Meanwhile, the older students work on leadership skills and ensemble playing.   Suzuki teachers use creative strategies to work on common skills during the group classes including musical games and exercises. 

The goal of a Suzuki teacher is not only to develop the violinist and musician in every student but to nurture the entire child and teach important life skills such as coordination, self-evaluation and motivation, listening skills, patience, and perseverance.  The Suzuki method is structured in such a way that new ideas are presented in small steps so the child can succeed and be proud of their achievements.   Old skills serve as building blocks for new material so the child is always developing a larger vocabulary.  With positive guidance from the parent and teacher, the child develops confidence and a strong self-esteem.