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About Suzuki Method

"All Japanese children can speak Japanese”

- Shinichi Suzuki

The Mother-Tongue Approach

Shinichi Suzuki initiated the development of what is now recognized as the Suzuki Method with the following statement: "If all children can speak their native language perfectly and use it as a communication tool, it's because, from the moment they are born, they are immersed in a set of conditions that make their success possible."

Every Child Can Learn

Suzuki concludes that talent, contrary to what he previously believed, is not innate but must be worked on and developed to be achieved. He suggests that to fully develop a skill, it’s necessary to start as early as possible, be in a suitable and motivating environment, be instructed under a careful and detailed educational method, practice every day, and have good role models to imitate.

From Language To Music

Suzuki's breakthrough came from recognizing the importance of understanding the success of native language learning and applying those principles to musical learning. This inspired him to study, organize, and analyze the key principles underlying this success.

Language Learning

  • Listening

  • Memory

  • Motivation

  • Vocabulary

  • Repetition

  • Parental

  • Involvement

  • Step-by-Step Mastery

  • Love

01

Listening 

Children learn to speak by listening to and imitating the language spoken around them. Similarly, they absorb the language of music by listening to recordings of literature and other music. Suzuki's teaching strongly emphasizes listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire and music in general, so having good-quality sound equipment is essential. Research has shown that the more frequently students listen to the recordings, the easier they learn to play. Listening to music with a beautiful tone sets a high standard for children's playing. It is a constant role model for producing fine-toned and sensitive playing from the beginning of their lessons.

02

Repetition

In the Suzuki Method, review plays a crucial role. Children enhance their existing skills and acquire new ones by repeatedly practicing pieces. Through this repetition, students develop technique, musicianship, and style. They can hear their progress, which boosts their confidence and abilities.

It's important for students to practice these pieces daily to build their skills and confidence. As they master a piece, they will feel a strong sense of accomplishment, which will motivate them to tackle the next piece and inspire a desire to learn more.

03

Step by Step Mastery

Children learn at their own pace, taking small steps to master each skill. In the Suzuki method, every new piece is seen as a building block in developing the technique. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of their instrument, follow a standardized sequence of musical materials. The method's standardized repertoire also motivates younger students by inspiring them to play the music they hear older students play, fostering a sense of aspiration and growth in their musical journey.

05

Parental Involvement

04

Memory

By repeatedly listening to recordings, the child can play from memory, a skill that can be applied to other areas of their education, such as reading and math. Reading music will be introduced once the child's listening and instrumental skills are well established, similar to how we teach reading after children can speak fluently. This approach allows the teacher to focus on developing the student's posture, tone, intonation, and musical phrasing.

The Suzuki Method involves a three-way partnership between the student, the teacher, and the parent. All three work together to integrate a philosophy, a technique, and an educational program. Parents have a significant role in their children's musical learning, just as they do in their language and social development. They collaborate with the teacher to establish a positive and enjoyable learning environment.

 

Parents are encouraged to attend the lessons with their child, observe, and take notes to act as "home teachers" during the week. They need to supervise practice sessions, play the recordings daily, and provide encouragement, support, affection, and understanding. This will motivate the child, give them a sense of achievement, and make playing an enjoyable experience.

 

The key to success in the Suzuki Method is your commitment as a parent to regularly work closely with your child and the teacher. You don't need to be a musician, but your dedication to regular practice and close collaboration with the teacher and your child is crucial for their musical progress.

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