Suzuki Method
written by the Founder & CEO, Sara Marie Brenner
The Suzuki method is an incredible method, particularly for young children. However, I am especially partial to it, with some slight deviations from the typical Suzuki method.
Just before turning 3, I started piano lessons and studied Suzuki piano until I was 8yo. At 8, I was through five volumes of Suzuki and was playing full Sonatas by memory and by ear. But, I didn't read any music. My mother, a concert pianist, found a wonderful professor, JoAnn Hopper, at Ohio Wesleyan University. It was there that I finally learned to read music.
There was no reason why an 8 year old should be playing so well and not reading any music. Unfortunately, though, in the "strict" sense of the Suzuki method, this is sometimes what is done, depending on the instructor.
At The Music Lessons Company, all of our instructors who teach Suzuki receive Suzuki training through our company so that we can be sure to teach them our belief that note reading should be brought in as soon the child is ready. Depending on the child, this may be 3-12 months in to lessons. We lay a basic foundation in music by ear, and by the teacher demonstrating and the child doing, and then we slowly bring in note ready when the student is ready for it.
The Suzuki method is referred to as "the mother tongue" method, meaning that children who have not yet switched over to visual learning in real life (which usually happens around the 3rd, 4th or 5th grade) can learn music in the same way they are learning everything else -- by hearing it. Young children learn their alphabet, their dialect, their numbers, vocabulary and anything else aurally until they change over to visual learning. The Suzuki method combines singing, hearing, feeling and seeing into a "monther tongue" format that makes learning a new instrument very easy for the student.
The Suzuki method also incorporates the parent together with a loving, nurturing atmosphere from the teaching to make learning fun and easy. Parents are encouraged to sit in on the lesson and learn along with their child so that the child has someone to help them during the week in practicing. When parents help their child, it not only creates great memories but makes sure that the child has an adult to supervise, remind, nurture and support them during the week, in between lessons.
In the Suzuki volumes, children play wonderful literature early on. They are able to do this because they are not limited to only being able to play what they can read. The traditional method starts out with what I lovingly call "plunkity plunk" music. The Suzuki method, on the other hand, has wonderful literature that sounds like real music from the very first volume.
At the end of each volume, Suzuki students are welcome to give a book/volume recital at which they perform all of the pieces from memory for friends and family. We have a space available at the studio where families can do this at no charge. It's a wonderful celebration for a great accomplishment, as each volume can take 1-2 years to complete (sometimes volume 1 will take longer for a very young child).
Children who are 3 and up may start lessons with the Suzuki method. We do have a few 2 year old students who succeed, as well. Personally, I recommend Suzuki for all violin, viola, cello and string bass students because it teachers the student to listen so well, which is vital when playing an instrument where your finger must be in exactly the right place on the string! Students of any age may study Suzuki, and we offer it for piano, violin, viola, cello, string bass, guitar, flute and recorder.
In addition to the weekly group class, our Suzuki students may register for our performance classes. At this class, children have the opportunity to learn how to walk up on stage, bow properly, perform in front of others and prepare for being able to perform at a recital or school talent show. Children also learn how to be a good audience. In addition, children participate in music games and activities, and ensemble activities are also incorporated into the class. These are offered on a regular basis and you can view the schedule online, and register there. Even if someone doesn't go into music, this class is valuable! Do you know how many people tell me I'm a great speaker in front of a large audience? I still credit it back to my days as a child, frequently performing in front of others and getting used to what it takes. There are connections to business and adult life in music study - I speak from experience!
If you have any further questions about the Suzuki method, please contact me at 888.861.MUSIC x8000. I am happy to answer your questions and look forward to introducing your family to the Suzuki method.
