Why Choose the Suzuki Method?

I am a big supporter of the Suzuki Method of teaching and would highly recommend it, particularly to beginners and younger students. I have found that students who have started the Suzuki method with me began to play faster than those who started via the classical method.

Suzuki students learn how to find notes by ear at first instance. Soon after they learn how to play the song by heart with both hands. After they become comfortable with the first stage of Suzuki, we transition more towards a traditional, classical musical approach. They will then learn the notes and music theory elements which we will weave into their musical education.

What is the “Suzuki Method”?

The Suzuki method is an international way of teaching music that Shinichi Suzuki developed in the mid 1900s. The method is based on the idea that music, like language, should be taught using the  same acquisition techniques as a child’s native language.

This has been called the ‘mother tongue approach’ which has the following founding principles:

1. Beginning Early: Just as language is acquired in the first years of infancy, so should music be introduced in these years. Mr. Suzuki thought that children could begin formal training at 3 years of age – even if it was simply listening to music, identifying notes, and learning ideas of beat and tempo. Toddlers can begin being immersed in music as soon as possible as these crucial years matter.
2. Regular Repetition: Similar to the way in which words are said to children multiple times before they remember and are able to apply them, so should musical pieces be refreshed through chronic practice. Only through this can students become truly familiar with the basics and build upon their knowledge in more advanced ways.
3. Frequent Performance: Mr. Suzuki believed that music should, in many ways, be a social activity just like language is the primary method of communication. He thought that group classes and regular recitals would further reinforce and develop a student through a supportive environment.
4. Delayed Reading: Just as a child learns how to speak and understands sounds prior to reading, so to should piano study allow a child to play by ear prior to learning all the notes, time signatures, bars, and music theory. This allows a child to develop an attuned ear and to play by ear before being burdened with music workbooks and memorization of staffs and sight-reading.
5. Parental Engagement: It is obvious that parents play a large role in language development in the early years. A child listens to the words spoken by his or her parent and is encouraged by the parents to speak and develop verbally. Therefore, parents are encouraged to sit in on lessons, understand the assignments given, and to encourage the student through at-home practice and similar involvement.

For more information regarding the Suzuki method, please visit the Useful Links section of this website.