The Suzuki Method
Shinichi Suzuki
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was a singularly gifted man. Beginning his violin studies at the age of 18, he first fell in love with the records of Fritz Kreisler. He traveled to Germany and chose his teacher based completely on their tone. He was searching for the richest and most beautiful tone he could find. During his studies, he had the realization that if every child could learn to speak their native language, if music were to be approached in a similar fashion, every child could learn to play the violin and the Suzuki Method was born.
After World War II, Suzuki began teaching students starting at a very young age. Before Dr. Suzuki, most students began their violin studies at the age of 10 or 11 years old. Perhaps when they could hold a full sized instrument. However, this was too old to access the full plasticity and capacity that the young child has for language and music. Since Suzuki, it is more widely accepted for students to begin their studies as young as 3 or 4 years old. His success was largely a product of his own hard work, constant experimentation, and a very strong belief in fostering beautiful people. After his experiences during the war, he felt it was extremely important to foster beautiful hearts and souls in children that would later become influential citizens in the world. He approached children from their own level and had a gift for earning their trust and respect by trusting and respecting them as individuals.
If you'd like to read more about Dr. Suzuki's philosophy, please note the books included in the materials list.
The Suzuki Method in Action
In the Suzuki Method of learning, children begin as soon as they are ready. Readiness can be determined by a teacher in an observation of another student's lesson or in a trial lesson. If a student is able to focus on one activity for ten or fifteen minutes and is expressing interest in learning violin, that is often a good point. Some students are ready at 3, some are ready at 5. Almost everyone is ready by the age of 7.
Students in the Suzuki Method usually learn to play the violin before they learn to read music. This solidifies technique and takes away too much multitasking at the start of their learning process. If their technique is ready, they will learn to read music around the same time they learn to read words. If they are already reading well, they will learn to read music once their technical foundation is solid. There is a myth that Suzuki students do not read music. This is simply not true and my students will learn to read well and will be able to participate in orchestras, chamber music, and all other activities where they may need to read music.
Group class is a very important aspect of the Suzuki Method. Because students have a common repertoire, they are able to begin working on ensemble skills right away. Group classes serve many purposes. Some students are extremely motivated by listening to more advanced students play pieces they have yet to learn or by being able to play some advanced pieces for less advanced students. They often see the same children in group week after week and soon develop friendships. Group can also be a great place for parents to find peers experiencing similar struggles and triumphs with music. Students learn to follow a leader, play together, listen discerningly, and respect each others accomplishments in a group setting. This is not to say that private lessons are unimportant. Private lessons set up the foundation necessary for students to succeed in group and to progress in their learning. New material is rarely presented in group for the first time.