Who is Dr. Suzuki?
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998)
Dr. Suzuki was one of the most important violin pedagogues (and pedagogues in general) of the Twentieth Century. He founded the Talent Education
Institute in Japan. His ideas of the Mother Tongue Method, Every Child Can, and
the Importance of Environment on Children's Abilities became the foundation of
the Suzuki Method, now the most influential music education method in the world. Dr. Suzuki uses the violin as the tool to develop the child, but now Suzuki Method is not just for violin anymore. There are Suzuki teachers in viola, cello, piano, voice, harp, mandoline, oboe, and many more!
Principles of the Suzuki Method
Dr.
Suzuki believed that talent is not inborn, but a child’s ability is the
outcome of the environment around him/her, and therefore every child
can learn to play the violin if the proper environment is provided. Principles
of the Suzuki Method include early start, parent involvement, regular lessons,
daily listening and practice, constant repeating and reviewing, and a positive
learning atmosphere.
Early Start
Dr.
Suzuki believed that the ideal age to start violin lessons is between 3 to 5,
but musical education, or the lack of it, begins at birth. Benefits: Beginning Suzuki Method violin lessons at an early age helps the child
develops many life skills such as fine motor control, body coordination, focus,
respect, patience, discipline, respect, and stage presence.
Parent
Involvement
The
Suzuki Method requires active involvement of the parent. The
three-way communication between the parent, the child, and the teacher is the
core to success in learning music. The parent is the home teacher of the
child. The parent is expected to attend all private lessons and group classes,
taking notes, recording, and actively participating. Benefits: Active participation of the parent not only helps the child to learn
easier, faster, but also establishes a nurturing environment around the child
and helps develops a close relationship between the parent and the child.
Lessons and
Group Classes
Weekly lessons are when basic technique,
skills, are introduced and developed. New pieces are also introduced in lessons
as the child progresses. Group Classes reviews and secures the techniques,
skills, and repertoire learned in lessons in a group setting so children can
learn from each other and enjoy playing together or as an ensemble. Benefits of regular lessons and group classes: faster progress, mastery of skills and repertoire, developing
communication skills.
Daily Listening and Practice
Parents should start playing the recording
of Suzuki Violin School, Volume 1 as soon as possible. It is recommended that
the recording be played several times a day every day so that the child
internalizes memorizes the pieces in it and develops a sense of pitch, good
tone quality, articulation, and musicality. Listening plays an important part
in the Suzuki Method and cannot be over-emphasized.
Daily Practice is also essential in
developing the child’s finger muscle memory and securing various skills. Practice
time can be broken down in small sections. Practicing several times a day is
more effective than practicing Answering a question by a parent, Dr. Suzuki
once said, “Practice two minutes, five times a day!”
Getting something?
More to be Continued
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