the suzuki method

Shin’ichi Suzuki (1989-1998) revolutionized the world of music instruction when he realized the simple fact that children all over the world learn to speak their  native language.  Any adult who has ever attempted to learn a foreign language understands that it is a complicated and difficult task. Suzuki showed the world that learning their native language demonstrates the remarkable talent and brilliance of children.

To access this already existing talent of children, Suzuki modelled his teaching method on the way children learn their native language.  In fact, he preferred to call hismethod the “Mother Tongue Method.”  Thus, the following principles are the foundation of the Suzuki approach:  begin as early as possible, move in small steps, have a parent closely involved in the child’s learning by training the parent to be a “home teacher” for the child, listen to recordings daily, teach reading after the child has acquired some fluent skills, create an enjoyable and motivating learning environment, include group work  in the instruction, and foster an attitude of teamwork.  Using these principles, instructors using a Suzuki approach deal with much more than teaching a child how to play an instrument:  the primary goal is to help the child develop as a human being.

To learn more about the Suzuki Method, click HERE 

for information from the Suzuki Association of the Americas [SAA]