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 the only method offered to 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 C.D. 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 what piece they are learning.
Group classes are an integral part of Suzuki instruction. Suzuki students are required to enroll in the Department Classes.
Department Classes reinforce skills that are taught in the private lesson. They provide another opportunity to improve posture, tone, and technique. Click here to learn more about Department Class objectives.

Instrument Selection
We offer Suzuki instruction for voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, and flute.

For families who need help choosing the right instrument, we recommend attending one of our monthly All-School Recitals where children will hear a variety of different instruments. Our Instrument Primer class offers weekly introductions to all of the instruments. Also, you can arrange to observe private lessons and group classes on different instruments to get to know them a bit 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 for Suzuki Lessons
Because of the level of commitment involved, we ask that all prospective families get to know the Suzuki philosophy really well before signing up for lessons. Before lessons begin, families go through an introductory process, which includes:

Observing at least three consecutive lessons of the same student (more if needed or desired).
Observing at least one group class of the chosen instrument.
Attending the Suzuki Basics for Parents session.
Reading Nurtured by Love by Dr. S. Suzuki.
Once the instrument choice has been made, purchasing the Suzuki C.D. and starting the habit of daily listening.
Completing registration at least 72 hours prior to the start of lessons.

Note: Suzuki students are expected to enroll in both weekly private lessons and a Department Class.

Suzuki Basics for Parents
Each prospective family is required 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

Tuition - $15 for one session, per family (more than one parent or guardian may attend). This fee will be credited to your account upon enrollment in the Suzuki program.

To register for Suzuki Basics for Parents, click on your preferred date below or call 312.738.2646. Suzuki Basics for Parents will be offered on the following Saturdays:

Note: Families will not be able to start lessons before completing observations and a Suzuki Basics for Parents class.

To learn more about Suzuki Instruction or to begin the enrollment process, please call us at 312.738.2646