Did you know? Dr. Suzuki preferred the name “TALENT EDUCATION” because he felt it better reflected his approach.
Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) was born in Japan and founded his method of teaching music after World War II. He saw the devastation caused by war and wanted to beautify the world by training children to become sensitive, hard-working, artistic people. Music was his vehicle. Today, the Suzuki Method is used worldwide and has produced countless professional and amateur musicians.
The method’s core principles include…
- A strong belief that talent is not inborn; rather, it is developed through hard work in a supportive environment. Yes, some students will go further than others, but playing music beautifully is a skill that can be taught to anyone who’s willing to work for it.
- Students listen to their repertoire daily, learn to play by ear at first, and read music a bit later, typically when their violin technique is stable and they can read well at school.
- Students often start lessons at a young age, like 3-6. However, I’ve started many older beginners successfully, and modify my approach accordingly.
- Parents support student learning by attending lessons until their student is in middle school and practicing with them daily at home. You’re giving your child a gift by spending quality, intentional time with him or her. When the child is young, the parent is 95% responsible for the child’s success!
- Students have both individual and group lessons, and they’re equally important.
- Placing a high value on character development. I want my students to become compassionate, cooperative, hard-workers.
- A sequential repertoire that all students learn and continuously review. The early Suzuki pieces, when studied correctly, contain most of the technique you need to play the violin well. I incorporate scales from the beginning and add selected etudes in when students are playing at an intermediate level. By Book 4, all students are playing three-octave scales, shifting etudes, and other etudes. After Book 4, I incorporate a lot more repertoire from outside the Suzuki Books and work with students to develop a plan that matches their interests and strengths.
Links
Suzuki Association of America – info for parents
Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.
Dr. Suzuki
Lisa Toner Studio 