The Suzuki Method – ages 3 years to adult - |
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Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited. Dr.Shinichi Suzuki 1898-1998 |
The Suzuki Method of music education was initiated in the middle of the 20th century by Japanese violinist and pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki and was originally applied to learning violin.
Dr. Suzuki noticed that children pick up their native language quickly at age five or six. He envisioned that young children could learn to play the violin the same way that they learn their own language - through listening and imitation. Suzuki believed that every child, if properly taught, was capable of a high level of musical achievement.
Suzuki taught using the concept “character first, ability second”. His goal was not just to develop professional musicians, but to embrace the whole child, nurturing a love of music, to develop a fine character rather than just the mastering of a musical instrument. Suzuki called this the “mother tongue” method.
To read more about the Suzuki method please visit www.suzukiassociation.org/about/suzuki-method/
Suzuki Philosophy
- Every child has the potential to become musical.
- Environment rather than genetics will determine achievement.
- Positive reinforcement promotes success.
Suzuki Curriculum
- The Suzuki Method curriculum is a well-considered series of musical pieces designed to introduce a techinque in a progressively challenging format.
Suzuki Technical Concepts
- Lessons begin early, enlisting the aid of the parent as home teacher.
- The "mother tongue" approach is adopted to learning through listening, imitation, review and positive reinforcement.
- Each skill is broken into the smallest possible steps a child is able to master
- Individual lessons are taught to let each child progress at his/her own pace
- Group lessons are used to review the materials presented in the private lesson and to introduce the skill of playing together.