About The Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method® was developed in the mid-20th century by Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki, who noticed that all children acquire their native language naturally and fluently. He reasoned that if a person has the skill to acquire their mother tongue, then they have the necessary ability to become proficient on a musical instrument. He modeled his method, which he called "Talent Education," after the process of natural language acquisition.
The Suzuki Method® is based on the belief that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child can develop musical ability. The potential of every child is unlimited. Children learn music in the same way that they learn to speak - by imitating those around them, listening to good examples, and receiving encouragement and support.
Dr. Suzuki believed that every child, if properly taught, can and will learn from their environment and is capable of a high level of musical achievement. He also made it clear that the goal of such musical education was to raise generations of children with "noble hearts", as opposed to creating famous musical prodigies.
The essential components of The Suzuki Method® spring from the desire to create the "right environment" for learning music, and include:
The Suzuki Method® is based on the belief that musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that can be developed. Any child can develop musical ability. The potential of every child is unlimited. Children learn music in the same way that they learn to speak - by imitating those around them, listening to good examples, and receiving encouragement and support.
Dr. Suzuki believed that every child, if properly taught, can and will learn from their environment and is capable of a high level of musical achievement. He also made it clear that the goal of such musical education was to raise generations of children with "noble hearts", as opposed to creating famous musical prodigies.
The essential components of The Suzuki Method® spring from the desire to create the "right environment" for learning music, and include:
- Beginning as early as possible, generally between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.
- Moving in small steps so the child can master the material with a total sense of success, thereby building his confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Each child progresses at his own pace.
- Parental involvement at lessons and during home practice sessions.
- Daily listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire. The more the student listens, the more quickly he learns. This approach derives from the way children learn to speak their native tongue.
- Retaining and reviewing every piece of music ever learned on a regular basis, in order to raise technical and musical ability.
- Group lessons, in addition to private lessons, and observation of other students’ lessons are valuable aids to motivation.
- Fostering an attitude of cooperation not competition among students, of supportiveness for each other’s accomplishments.
