The Suzuki Method

The Suzuki approach deals with much more than teaching a child how to play an instrument. It seeks to develop the whole child, to help unfold his/her natural potential to learn, and to find the joy that comes through music making. Some of the basic principles of the Suzuki approach are:

• Develop the full potential of every child through proper training and a positive learning environment.

• Begin as early as possible. Formal training may be started by age 3, but it is never too late to learn.

• Move in small steps, thereby building confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

• Parent attendance at all lessons and supervision of daily home practice time.

• Daily listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire. This approach derives from the way children learn to speak their native language.

• Postpone music reading until the child’s aural and instrumental skills are well established.

• Follow the Suzuki repertory sequence, so that each piece becomes a building block for the development of technique.

• Create in lessons and home practice an enjoyable learning environment.

• Participate in group classes, providing an important motivating activity.

• Foster an attitude among students of cooperation not competition.

For further information about the Suzuki Method, visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas.