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Our Program
Would You Like To Be A Suzuki Parent? With the intensified interest in young children and how they learn and grow - it is natural that the ideas of Shinichi Suzuki often come to the attention of concerned parents. This page is designed to help you, as parents, decide if you are interested in embarking on a musical and educational venture with your children. First of all, we are making the assumption that you want to spend time with your child, so that both of you can enjoy and understand your relationsho better through music. Your interest goes beyond merely "exposing the child to music lessons." It explores into the areas of mutual learning, home practice, attending lessons and class practice, and enthusiastic, continuing support for the process of learning to play the instrument. The Suzuki approach relies strongly on the cooperative relationship of teacher, parent and student, in a pleasant, yet disciplined enterprise. It is not merely a violin, or cello, or piano method, although it does require careful, patient, persistent study and practice on the instrument. Rather, it is a combination of philosophy, a tehnique, and a program of education. The parent's role involves the following:
The parent need not be a trained musician in order to be a good "home teacher". With the teachers guidance, the parent can help in bowing, fingering, posture, stance - and later on, with note reading. Selecting a good teacher, and a good Suzuki program are naturaly of paramount importance. Not all teachers who use the name "Suzuki" are equally well-prepared. Finally, the most important single point for parents we believe, is the willingness to devote regular time to the porject, and to work closely with the teacher (as with other parents) in building a fine relationship for the sake of the children's growth and development. Reprinted with permission from the Suzuki Association of the Americas - P.O. Box 164 Mendham, N.J. 07945 (201)543 - 6354
Something About the Suzuki Method The Suzuki Method was formed by a Japanese violinist, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. It is based on the MOTHER TONGUE METHOD which teaches us that as every child learnes to speak his native language fluently by hearing those around him, so can he also learn to play beatutiful music by listening and reproducing what he hears. Listening to the Suzuki repertoire is a must for all Suzuki students. Preparation for this learning experience may begin by playing the tapes or CD's from the time the child is born. By the time he is three years old and ready to begin formal lessons, he will be well familiar with the music. (Suzuki Piano Volumes 1 & 2) The Suzuki Method begins slwoly. Each step is mastered before moving on to the next step, giving the child a solid foundation, and a feeling of accomplishment before going on to something new. It is important to note that children do not tire of hearing the same piece of music over and over again. You may recall that when a child is asked which bedtime story he wishes to hear, it is usually one which he already knows so well that he can almost say the sentances along with you as you are reading them to him. All Suzuki repertoire is studied from memory, and music reading is delayed until the child's listening and basic music skills are well established, i.e. body balance, wrist and finger control. In most cases, music reading is introduced early in book two. It is important for both the parent and the teacher to have a positive attitude towards the child's achievements. You can always find something positive to say after an even-not-so-satisfactory practice session. A little praise goes a long way with any child, and he will come to the next session with a new interest and enthusiasm. We suggest that you obtain and read a copy of Nurtured by Love, by Dr. Suzuki (avaliable at most music stores) in order to gain a greater understanding of the Suzuki philosophy.
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