In the Suzuki Method, music is taught like a language: first you hear the music, learn to make all the sounds, then, when you can play, you learn to read the music notation. All ages begin the same way.

It differs from traditional methods of piano instruction because it can involve children from very young ages. This requires much parental participation.

1. Your child can begin lessons at an early age. In my studio one or both parents studies the method in our Parent Training Class. This class is designed to equip the parent with insight as to how to create a successful learning environment in their own home. We learn that by listening to high quality recordings and by making music part of the fun times we share with our children, playing a musical instrument becomes a natural response. Just as all children learn to speak their native language by being immersed in the language of the culture, children can also learn to play beautiful music because they are immersed in a musical environment.


2. We move in small steps, each building on the one before. Each child progresses at their own rate.


3. A parent attends all lessons. Assignments are to be done with the supervision of the parent until about age 12, when the child can be responsible for the work.


4. We sing the songs with sol-fa. This is comparable to reading to the child before they read to you. First they play, then they read. Our main focus is on producing beautiful tone. Music phrasing comes from singing and then learning to make that sound with the fingers.


5. We follow the Suzuki repertory sequence, and review is a crucial component of the learning. We do Twinkle drills to develop finger strength, and to develop the ear.


6. We have group lessons where the children hear each other progress, and become comfortable in a performance atmosphere. We take that opportunity to meet with others for a group lesson and theory work.


7. The Suzuki Method discourages competitive attitudes between players, and advocates collaboration and mutual encouragement for those of every ability level. Acceptance of the others is an important part of the “noble heart”.
   
   
8. We learn to never give up, even when there is a difficult challenge, we learn patience in developing new skills, we learn endurance in self-discipline, and confidence in mastering the skills.

We have fun while we are working!

The Importance of Music Training

There are many benefits derived from studying a musical instrument. These benefits are in a wide range of areas including personal development, intellectual development, social development and vocational development.

Below is a list of reasons why a musical education will benefit your child.

 Personal Development:

• Self confidence
• Self discipline
• Poise and confidence

Intellectual Development:

• Increased brain development in the areas of:

• Language
• Reasoning
• Spatial intelligence
• Creativity
• Problem solving
• Improved academic performance
• Memory

 Social Development:

• By studying other cultures children develop understanding, compassion and empathy
• Enhances teamwork skills and discipline
• Provides a means of self-expression
• Wholesome entertainment for herself and friends at any age
• It is fun to be with like minded peers

 Vocational Development:

• Workplace skills of doing as opposed to observing
• Think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions
• A standard of excellence in performance that transfers to the workplace
• Students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence
• Enhances teamwork skills and discipline

Parents

One feature of the Suzuki Method that separates it from the other methods involves the role of the parent. Parents play an active role in the training of their child and this will necessitate some training for the parent before the lessons begin as well as sessions with other parents as your child progresses through the program. The Suzuki Triangle graphically portrays the relationship between parent, student and teacher. Three people, three equal partners in the process.

In other music methods the parent finds a piano teacher, pays for the lessons and drops their child off each week for the lesson. With the Suzuki Method the parent plays a much more important role. This method trains the whole child, builds relationships and social skills. Suzuki piano lessons greatly enhance the parent-child relationship. This is an opportunity for the parent to spend quality time with their child, not only during practice sessions but also sitting listening to music, going to concerts or studying different periods in history through books and film.

Take a moment and answer the following questions. Suzuki piano lessons are a commitment on the part of the parent to the development of the whole child. You must be able to answer yes to each of these questions if you want to pursue lessons for your child using the Suzuki Method.

1. I am willing to attend ongoing parent training sessions while my child is studying piano. These books are used :

Nurtured By Love by Shinichi Suzuki

Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki

(There are things you will need to know about being a Suzuki parent and coach such as the reason for certain techniques, how to set up practice time, when to push and when to back off. These and other issues will be discussed with you and other parents with children at the same level.)

2. I am willing to attend each lesson, observe the teacher and take notes to help with daily practice.

(You will be the primary coach of your child each day as they work to master each skill. You need to learn to look for an how to correct errors before they become habits which will be hard to break.)

3. I am willing to devote some time each day to supervising and practicing with my child.

(It is important to spend some time each day on music. It may not be possible to physically practice on the piano each day but you can find time to sit and listen to the music she is studying on CD. These too are important lessons to be taught. Music is meant to be enjoyed with special people.)

4. I am willing to seek out other musical experiences for my child such as concerts, videos and relevant books.

(The study of music is more than just learning to play an instrument. It involves the developing an appreciation for beauty, diversity of form, style and culture, compassion and empathy. The Suzuki Method develops the whole child.)

5. I am willing to focus on mastering the instrument and enjoying the music rather than the competitive aspect of studying music.

(Piano exams and music festivals are also part of the Suzuki Method but not the primary focus. You must want your child to be the best she can be, not necessarily better than everyone else.)

6. I am willing to include my child in group lessons and play-ins as scheduled by my teacher.

(For many adults, speaking or performing in public is a traumatic experience. Play-ins and group lessons provide many opportunities for public performance so that the student becomes accustomed to it. These sessions also provide a supportive environment for the student. Each student is taught to applaud another’s successes and ignore their mistakes.)

Many studies have now shown, without a shadow of a doubt, the benefits of learning a musical instrument, especially piano, as a way to make your child smarter.

Click here for my brochure that highlights some of these benefits

You can get more information of studies that prove the wonderful results of music education by visiting these websites:

American Music Conference - www.amc-music.org

VHI Save the Music - www.vh1.com

Music Friends - www.musicfriends.org

Support Music - www.supportmusic.com