Suzuki method what is it

The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc. As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that they understand what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin. Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.

Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways. Each child learns at their own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from and are motivated by each other. Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression.

Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises. Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist, educator, philosopher and humanitarian.

Born in , he studied violin in Japan for some years before going to Germany in the s for further study. Suzuki devoted his life to the development of the method he calls Talent Education.

Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. Substantial numbers of Suzuki trained students have indeed become highly acclaimed professional musicians. However, the training of professionals is not the main aim: the emphasis throughout is on the development of the whole child, on education through music.

Dr Suzuki himself always said that his wish was to foster the human qualities in the child. At every opportunity he called on politicians, teachers and parents to ensure that the full potential of every child is developed:.

I want—if I can—to get education changed from mere instruction to education in the real sense of the word—education that inculcates, brings out, develops the human potential, based on the growing life of the child.

That is why I am devoting my efforts to furthering Talent Education: what a child becomes depends entirely on how he is educated. In the lessons the production of fine tone and sensitive playing is stressed from the beginning. If children begin as preschoolers the reading begins at the same time as it would in literacy skills.. Students are motivated to learn through:- involvement with the parent; the shared experiences of watching lessons of other students and participating in group workshops and concerts;.

Lessons and home practice that reflect the developmental stage of the child and that are enjoyable help motivate the child. The unique order of the repertoire allows each piece to become a building block for future learning.

Technique, musicianship and style are developed through the study and repetition of these pieces. Each instrument has its own repertoire. This provides familiarity and hence excellent motivation to progress. Through the common repertoire children have a bond with Suzuki students world-wide.

However, the spirit of Suzuki teaching may encompass all styles and periods of music. By moving in small steps the child can master each skill. This motivates the child to strive further.