Suzuki Method & Philosophy

Everyone Has Talent

"If a child speaks his language fluently, he has developmental possibilities. Other abilities should therefore develop according to the way he is raised. Everyone has a sprout of talent. Developing that sprout into a wonderful ability depends on how it is cultivated." - Shinichi Suzuki


The Mother Tongue Principle

The Suzuki Method is based on the Mother Tongue Principle—learning music as we do our native language—through listening, imitation, repetition, and encouragement.


Listening

Daily listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire and to recordings of other quality music is a major reason for the success of the Suzuki Method. The recordings serve as models for tone and expression as well as for the correct notes. The more your child hears the pieces, the more quickly and easily he or she will master them. Listening also serves to motivate practice, since children enjoy playing familiar music.


Learning to read music

No one would ever insist that a child learn to read before learning to speak, or learn to read and speak simultaneously. In the Suzuki Method, note reading is introduced separately from their Suzuki pieces and is integrated later, when the child is more accomplished on his or her instrument. This approach produces a musician who can play music expressively and with a beautiful tone.


Positive Approach

Encouragement fosters growth and self-confidence. It would be unheard of to get angry with a young child or reprimand them for not being able to speak their mother tongue fluently. We are so pleased with every attempt a child makes when learning to speak. This encouragement enables the child to easily and confidently develop his or her language abilities. This same positive learning environment is equally effective and essential for learning music.


Parents as Teachers

An important reason for the success of the Suzuki Method is the involvement of parents in lessons and during practice time at home—the parent acts as the child's home teacher and becomes a vital part of the Parent - Teacher - Student Triangle.


Individual & Group Lessons

Each week students receive an individual lesson and a group lesson and have opportunities to observe other students' lessons. Playing together in groups gives students the opportunity to be motivated by the accomplishments of others. They also become more aware of their own potential. Suzuki students learn to be very encouraging and supportive of each other. “Cooperation, not competition” is a Suzuki motto.


Workshops and Institutes

Suzuki students have the unique opportunity to attend nearby weekend workshops during the school year and week-long institutes in the summer. Course offerings include master-classes, repertoire, and theory classes with a variety of teachers. Institutes are frequently attended by Suzuki students from various countries and serve as wonderful sources of inspiration and motivation as well as a vehicle for life-long friendships and appreciation of different cultures.


Developing the Whole Child

"The Suzuki approach deals with much more than teaching a child how to play an instrument. It seeks to develop the whole child, to help unfold his natural potential to learn and become a good and happy person. The purpose of Suzuki training is not to produce great artists, but to help every child to find the joy that comes through music-making. Through the Suzuki growing process, children thrive in a total environment of support; they develop confidence and self-esteem, determination to try difficult things, self-discipline and concentration, as well as a lasting enjoyment of music, and the sensitivity and skill for making music."

- Libby Dixon & Molly Johnson
The Suzuki Approach