VIOLIN PROGRAM

The Suzuki Violin Method ...

The Suzuki Method of music education began in the 1950's by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998). Dr. Suzuki believed that the best and most effective way to learn music is to be exposed to it from a very early age. He called this the "Mother Tongue" method - young children learn to play an instrument in the same way they learn their own language: by listening, absorbing, and copying.

When the child begins learning, it's "by ear" - music reading is deferred to a later time in the same way speaking comes before reading. Parents are involved in the learning process, joining forces with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Dr. Suzuki also held to the philosophy of "Talent Education"- believing that every child has infinite potential. He believed that in teaching the child music, we are, in fact, creating a medium for the emotional and spiritual growth of the child.

Because children usually start so young, parent involvement is a key element in the method. Dr. Suzuki spoke often of the "Suzuki triangle." This is an equilateral triangle with Parent, Teacher, and Student in each of the corners. This helps to illustrate that each role is equally important. The parent learns the rudimentary skills of the instrument, and learns how to work in a positive and nurturing way in order to be more conducive to their child's learning. As the child gets older, the parent involvement becomes less and less, until the only responsibility of the parent is to cheer on their child. Suzuki teachers want to create independent musicians.

It is more work than the traditional method, but the benefits far outweigh the extra work. When the Suzuki method is done well, an incredible bond is forged between the parent and the child. After all, this child will have grown up with regular time alone with a parent who showers them with praise, all the while edging them closer still to excellence. This parent will have given their child, not only the gift of music, but also, the gift of their time, love, and attention.

Another important element of the Suzuki method is the group class. No Suzuki program is complete without some kind of group class. The group class serves many purposes: it teaches children how to play in a group setting; it provides the teacher with a medium in which to introduce broader teaching points, such as music theory; it also serves as a community for both the parents and the children. Group class can provide positive peer pressure for students to continue studying their instrument. Lastly, the group class should be fun! It is where we show children how joyful music making can be. We "play" music; we don't "work" music.

Lastly, one of the biggest differences between the Suzuki method and traditional methods are in the desired results. Suzuki was not trying to create superior musicians. He was trying to create "more noble human beings." He believed it was possible to promote world peace and understanding through the medium of music. The traditional teacher wants to have students that are amazing musicians. The Suzuki teacher wants students who are amazing people; the music takes care of itself if the person has been well cared for.