Parent Involvement- As when a child learns to talk, the parent plays a crucial role in their child’s musical learning. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment. 

Early Beginning- An important element of the Suzuki Method is attention paid to sensory development. In the early years, developing the ear, motor skills, and mental processes are equally important in music as in language. These qualities can begin at birth; formal training can begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin. 

Listening- Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to the pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them intimately. 

Repetition- Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. When children learn a new word or piece of music, they add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.

Encouragement- As with language, the child’s efforts to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. We allow children to learn through trial and error, gently correcting through demonstration, and following subsequent efforts with praise and delight. In so doing, we motivate our children and provide a trusting, safe environment for them to attempt new challenges and gain confidence. 

Learning with Other Children- In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lesson and performances at which they learn from and are motivated by each other. 

Graded Repertoire- Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music.

Delayed Reading- Children learn to read the written word after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children develop basic technical skills and ear training before beginning to read music.

     

 
 

A Brief Introduction to the Suzuki Philosophy

Dr. Suzuki was a violinist who developed a method for children to learn to play an instrument in the same way they learn to speak. This "Mother Tongue" approach is based on Dr. Suzuki's observation that children have a remarkable ability to speak and understand their native language at a very young age. Suzuki began to apply the basic principles of language learning to musical development. 
The Suzuki Method is geared towards more than just teaching a child the violin. Rather, it is in hopes that the child will develop skills that they can use in all other areas of their lives.

In the Suzuki approach, success depends upon the relationship of the parent, teacher, and child. This relationship forms a triangle. Each arm is of equal length indicating equal importance. The basis of this triangle is a strong environment and the building of trust.

Crescendo Suzuki Studio