Suzuki Philosophy and Getting Started
What is the Suzuki Philosophy?
The Suzuki approach to teaching music grew out of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s belief that all children can develop the ability to play instruments beautifully, just as all children learn to speak their native languages with ease. Often called “the mother-tongue approach,” this method focuses on the importance of daily listening to the Suzuki repertoire and repetition as the tool to mastering skills. Listening to the same musical pieces each day is similar to hearing the same words and expressions when learning one’s native language. Children discover and start imitating sounds before they are introduced to written symbols; they talk before learning to read and write. The same process can be used when teaching music: listening to and playing melodies precedes learning to read musical notation, if only for a short time. After students become familiar with the geography of the instrument and master basics of playing technique, the ability to read music comes more easily. Suzuki Instruction is highly recommended for children 7 years or younger.
Some of the most important principles of the Suzuki philosophy:
The Suzuki approach to teaching music grew out of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s belief that all children can develop the ability to play instruments beautifully, just as all children learn to speak their native languages with ease. Often called “the mother-tongue approach,” this method focuses on the importance of daily listening to the Suzuki repertoire and repetition as the tool to mastering skills. Listening to the same musical pieces each day is similar to hearing the same words and expressions when learning one’s native language. Children discover and start imitating sounds before they are introduced to written symbols; they talk before learning to read and write. The same process can be used when teaching music: listening to and playing melodies precedes learning to read musical notation, if only for a short time. After students become familiar with the geography of the instrument and master basics of playing technique, the ability to read music comes more easily. Suzuki Instruction is highly recommended for children 7 years or younger.
Some of the most important principles of the Suzuki philosophy:
- Parents take on an active role in Suzuki instruction. They attend all lessons, take careful notes, and become at-home teachers, where they create a positive and nurturing musical environment, play the Suzuki recording every day, and guide children through practice sessions at home.
- Suzuki students learn by ear and daily listening is the foundation of the Suzuki approach. Students listen daily to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire and of good music in general. The more a student listens to the recordings, the easier he or she will learn.
- The Suzuki philosophy focuses on building skills and developing technical proficiency on the instrument. Review and continuous maintenance of learned pieces is crucial – students use review pieces to build, improve, and polish technical skills. The focus is always on how students play rather than what piece they are learning.
- Group classes are an integral part of Suzuki instruction. Currently, violin Suzuki students are required to enroll in a weekly group class. Whenever a group of beginning students is large enough, we make similar groups for piano, guitar, and cello students.
- Group classes reinforce skills that are taught in the private lesson. They provide another opportunity to improve posture, tone, and technique and they introduce musicianship skills (note reading, musical terminology, basics of music theory). Click here to learn more about group class objectives.
Instrument Selection
ChiME offers Suzuki instruction for piano, guitar, violin, and cello. For families who need help choosing the right instrument, we recommend attending one of our monthly Student Performances where children will hear a variety of different instruments. Our Meet the Instruments class offers weekly introductions to all of the instruments. Also, you can arrange to observe private lessons and group classes to get to know the instruments better. Taking your time to choose the right instrument will have its benefits – it’s much easier to motivate children to practice on the instrument they liked and chose.
ChiME offers Suzuki instruction for piano, guitar, violin, and cello. For families who need help choosing the right instrument, we recommend attending one of our monthly Student Performances where children will hear a variety of different instruments. Our Meet the Instruments class offers weekly introductions to all of the instruments. Also, you can arrange to observe private lessons and group classes to get to know the instruments better. Taking your time to choose the right instrument will have its benefits – it’s much easier to motivate children to practice on the instrument they liked and chose.
Enrolling in Suzuki Lessons
Because of the level of commitment involved, we ask that all prospective families get to know the Suzuki philosophy really well before beginning lessons. The steps below are also highly recommended before beginning lessons:
Note: Violin Suzuki students are expected to enroll in both weekly private lessons and a weekly group class.
To begin the enrollment process or for more information about Suzuki lessons, please call us at 312.738.2646.
Because of the level of commitment involved, we ask that all prospective families get to know the Suzuki philosophy really well before beginning lessons. The steps below are also highly recommended before beginning lessons:
- Observe at least one lesson and/or group class on your chosen instrument.
- Attend the "Succeed in Lessons" session. Choose from the list below and fill out this form to register.
- September 24 at 10:00am
- October 29 at 10:00am
- January 21 at 10:00am
- February 18 at 10:00am
- March 18 at 10:00am
- April 15 at 10:00am
- Read Nurtured by Love by Dr. S. Suzuki.
- Purchase the Suzuki CD or download (from iTunes) the appropriate book for your chosen instrument and level and start the habit of daily listening.
Note: Violin Suzuki students are expected to enroll in both weekly private lessons and a weekly group class.
To begin the enrollment process or for more information about Suzuki lessons, please call us at 312.738.2646.
Succeeding in Lessons
Each prospective family is encouraged to attend a session of this course before registering in the Suzuki program. This one-hour session with an experienced Suzuki instructor will introduce families to the philosophy and methodology of the Suzuki approach. Topics covered include
To register for Succeeding in Lessons, fill out this form.
Each prospective family is encouraged to attend a session of this course before registering in the Suzuki program. This one-hour session with an experienced Suzuki instructor will introduce families to the philosophy and methodology of the Suzuki approach. Topics covered include
- the Suzuki triangle
- roles of parents, teachers, and children
- daily listening and practice strategies
- creating a nurturing musical environment
- benefits of group classes
- the power of review
- defining progress
- helpful Suzuki resources
To register for Succeeding in Lessons, fill out this form.