What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method is a music curriculum and philosophy that was created by Japanese violinist Shin’ichi Suzuki. He realized that every child learned to speak their native language fluently, and how incredible this was! He applied this same method of learning a language to learning the violin, with an emphasis on listening/imitating, repetition, and positive encouragement. Suzuki (and we at Music House!) believe that with a nurturing environment, anyone can learn music. However, Suzuki’s goal was not to raise professional musicians, but to teach character and nurture loving individuals through music education – “Beautiful tone, beautiful heart.”
The main pillars of the Suzuki Method include:
“Mother-tongue” Approach: Music is taught in the same way a child learns their native language. In the beginning, the child learns songs completely by ear, and it isn't until the child has become competent on their instrument that reading is introduced. This way, the child can focus on their posture and making a beautiful tone in the early stages of learning.
Review is also an essential part of the Suzuki method. We never completely leave a piece, but instead continue to review former pieces to reinforce and strengthen skills and techniques.
Community learning: Suzuki students participate in both private and group lessons. This group learning is not only more fun for students, but also can be much more motivating than individual lessons alone. In group classes, students reinforce the skills they've learned in private lessons, while also learning new skills required for ensemble playing.
Parent Involvement: The Suzuki method also depends on the three-way partnership between the parent, the child, and the teacher. The parent, or "teaching assistant", will observe lessons, take notes, and then practice with the child outside of lessons, helping to foster a positive and nurturing learning environment.
You don't need to know how to play an instrument yourself, though, in order to be a great "at home teacher"! In private lessons, the teacher will be teaching your child, while also showing you the ways you can help them at home.
Every Child Can: every child is capable of learning to develop their musical ability. We dissect every skill into very small achievable parts that can be mastered and celebrated!
Music House offers Suzuki instruction in violin, guitar, and ukulele (our very own “Suzukulele” program created by Richard Trumbo!).
How can you get the most out of your Suzuki education?
Join Suzuki Playdowns, so students can be a part of a community and practice review (read more about the benefits of group and private lessons)!
Work toward Suzuki Graduation by practicing review every day (and attending Playdown class!)
Listen to the assigned recordings to familiarize the ear with future pieces and the language of the instrument (Benefits of Listening)
Attend At-Home-Teacher to learn how to be a better Suzuki parent!
Learn more about the Suzuki Method by visiting the Suzuki Association of the Americas website!
