What is the Suzuki Method?
Japanese violinist, Dr. Shinchi Suzuki had a revolutionary thought in the mid-twentieth century - all children speak their mother tongue. This became the basis of his music talent education movement that is now practiced throughout the world.
The Suzuki Method focuses on fostering a child’s musical ability to nourish beyond music. At the heart of Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy is the belief that all children have ability, and that talent is not inborn.
Some key elements of the Suzuki Method:
For more information on the Suzuki Method please visit the Suzuki Music Victoria, Australia
The Suzuki Method focuses on fostering a child’s musical ability to nourish beyond music. At the heart of Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy is the belief that all children have ability, and that talent is not inborn.
Some key elements of the Suzuki Method:
- Every Child Can – With the belief that talent is not inborn, every child can learn to play a musical instrument given the right environment.
- Start early – Children as young as 5 years old can begin Suzuki Flute.
- Listening – A baby doesn’t speak without first hearing the speech of others. Suzuki students listen to professional recordings of the pieces they play, this develops the ear and a fine musical tone.
- Gradual Steps – We break down each skill into the smallest components so that even small children are able to learn. The flute has its own progressive repertoire, which allows students to advance seamlessly through traditional classical pieces.
- Repetition – When a baby learns a new word, they must repeat it many times before it is learned – this is the same for developing new skills on the flute, Suzuki said “Ability is knowledge plus 10,000 times”.
- Review – We don’t discard new words after we have learnt them - when a student learns a new piece, we frequently go back to explore it in different ways.
- Shared Experience – Group classes are an integral part of the Suzuki method. These classes allow students to interact with their peers in a fun environment, gaining trust and confidence in ensemble playing and performing.
- Musical Reading Readiness – A child does not learn to read at the same time they learn to speak. Students learn to play the flute by ear before they start to read music. Memory playing also continues after reading begins.
- Encouraging – Is nurturing beyond music. The Suzuki Method builds self-esteem by learning in an encouraging environment, which fosters the students’ character and ability.
- The Suzuki Triangle – The triangle is formed by equal cooperation between the student, teacher and parent (practice partner/home teacher).
- Teacher Professional Development – Through an extensive Suzuki Professional Development Program, teachers such as myself, have the most up to date resources, classes and seminars, which enable us to teach at a consistently high standard.
For more information on the Suzuki Method please visit the Suzuki Music Victoria, Australia
