An Introduction to the Suzuki Method

​What Makes the Suzuki Method so different?

The Suzuki Method works for students of all ages and abilities.  The Suzuki method has the best​ success according to the following:

​Early Start
  • ​​Instruction begins between the ages of 2-7
​Parental Involvement
  • ​​Child/Parent/Teacher are equal members of the 'Suzuki Triangle'
  • Parents are "home teachers," guiding home practice on a daily basis
  • Parents learn basic playing skills
Listening
  • ​Children learn music the same way they learn language--through listening
  • Listening, imitation and positive reinforcement
  • Listening to repertoire on a daily basis is essential​
​Repertoire
  • ​Chosen to teach technique within the context of folk and classical music
  • Dr. Suzuki spent 10 years putting the Suzuki repertoire in its pedagogical order
  • All students learn the same pieces in the same order
  • Motivates younger children
  • Allows more advanced children to act as role models and leaders
  • Memorization and mastery of skills required for advancement
Instrumental Lessons
  • ​​Weekly private lessons
  • Weekly group lessons 
  • Children receive individual instruction on posture, technique, musicianship and tone
​Reading
  • ​​Children learn to read after they learn to speak
  • Students learn to read music once they have internalized the basics.  In this way, posture, technique, tone and intonation are not compromised.  Especially given that attention will shift toward reading.
  • Basic foundational reading skills and strategies are present from the beginning
​Performance
  • ​Gain confidence through frequent performance in groups and as soloists

A Comparison of Suzuki Lessons and Traditional Lessons

Suzuki Lessons
Traditional Lessons
Students can start as young as 18-months through age 4
Typically start at age 5-7
Music is initially learned by ear through repeated listening to recordings (mother-tongue approach; similar to language acquisition).
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Music reading is delayed, or taught in tandem of Suzuki repertoire. This enables the child to become proficient at note reading while still developing a heightened level of technical proficiency and tone.
Music reading is usually taught from the very beginning stages
Parents are an essential part of the teacher/child/parent "Suzuki triangle" and learn along with their child; assist with facilitating home practice sessions at home

Note: NO previous experience is required! You will be instructed on how to help your child practice at home. :)
Parents may attend lessons, but are not required to attend and are not required to do anything to help with home practice.
In the early stages, lessons are either one-on-one (individual) or in small groups of 2-3 students with each child receiving individual attention while other students observe.
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Group classes are an integral part of the learning process. Students work in cooperation with other students to perform Suzuki pieces, ensemble pieces, and at more advanced levels perform in chamber ensembles.
Lessons are always one-on-one (individual); the opportunity to play with other students depends on the teacher
Teachers follow a standardized curriculum using the Suzuki method books and pieces as the core of your child's education. Supplemental technique and pieces are always selected to compliment each child's study and help round out their education.
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A registered Suzuki teacher has undergone intensive training specific to the Suzuki method, and are registered through the SAA as having completed that training.
Teachers choose their own curriculum and materials based on their personal preference or approach, which may vary widely. Training and experience may also vary as well, so be sure to ask!

NOTE: Be aware that some teachers may claim to be a "Suzuki teacher" or teach using the Suzuki method in their studio. Unless they have proof of Suzuki training or are registered through the SAA, merely "using the books" does not make someone a Suzuki teacher. 

Registered Suzuki teachers have completed 30 hours of intensive training plus 15 hours of observation to teach Suzuki Book 1, and an additional 15 hours of training and 7 hours of observation for each subsequent Suzuki book. The distinction is important!