Dr. Suzuki's Philosophy
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, created a method of music education based on his observation that children all over the world learn to speak their native languages beautifully and with ease. Therefore, he believed that every child who is properly trained has the ability to learn to play music beautifully.
As Suzuki teachers there are many skills we are teaching alongside the skill of actually playing our instrument. This includes concentration, perseverence, respect, the ability to listen, the ability to follow instructions, musical sensitivity and appreciation, self-discipline and many more. Learning an instrument has been linked to higher educational test scores. It aids emotional and behavioural maturity and can actually rewire the brain!
Special Features of the Suzuki Method
Start early
Children have an enormous capacity to learn when they are young because their brains are developing at such a fast rate.
If your child is 0-3 years old come and join a Suzuki early childhood class to nurture your child's readiness for Suzuki violin lessons.
Create a Musical environment
From birth, children are surrounded by constant language and, in the same way, it is important to enrich a child's musical environment when they learn an instrument. One way we do this is through daily listening to the Suzuki CD containing the pieces that the child will learn to play.
Get Involved as a Parent
In the Suzuki method, the parent becomes the 'home teacher' and attends their child's lessons in order to be able to help them at home. No prior musical experience is necessary but parents are encouraged to learn at least the basics of playing the violin alongside their children.
Attend Group lessons
In addition to weekly private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons. Here they learn from and are motivated by one another as well as learning important ensemble skills and most importantly, having fun!
Create a Positive, Nurturing environment
When a child starts to speak their first words they are greeted with much excitement and enthusiasm from parents. Parents never think, 'maybe my child will not be good at speaking'. Dr. Suzuki saw that it was the same for music learning.
Follow the Suzuki Repertoire
The Suzuki repertoire is made up of ten books, carefully designed in such a way that each piece builds on the techniques developed in the previous piece. By following these books, students are gradually building their technique through learning enjoyable music.
Practise Daily
Dr. Suzuki said, 'you only have to practise on the days that you eat!' To make progress, regular practice is essential.
By practising every day, students are developing grit and perseverance. These life-skills will help them to be successful at whatever they choose to do.
Develop Aural skills first
In the same way that children learn to speak before they read, the Suzuki method focuses on developing aural skills before learning to read music. This frees up their ears to listen to the sound that they're making right from the start.
"Where love is deep, much can be achieved"
— DR Shinichi suzuki