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The Suzuki Approach
What are the benefits of a Suzuki Approach?
Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited."
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Students can begin at young ages.
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Children become comfortable with the instrument before learning to read music.
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Technique is taught in the context of pieces rather than through dry technical exercises.
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Pieces are Refined through Constant Review.
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Students perform frequently, individually and in groups.
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Eliminates Friction and Tension which impede learning.
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Promotes a More Harmonious Family Life.
Does the Suzuki Method create prodigies?
Shinichi Suzuki, who noticed that all children acquire their native language naturally and fluently. He also made it clear that the goal of such musical education was to raise generations of children with "noble hearts", as opposed to creating famous musical prodigies. Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.
What is my role as the Suzuki parent?
The key factor in the success of the mother tongue approach to education is the environment. The greatest influence in a child's environment comes from the parents, who have the major responsibility to provide security and abundant love. Parents have the role of providing good examples (music for the child to hear) and incentives to learn. These incentives are simply showing pleasure through rewards such as praise and encouragement.
These encouragements and rewards will appear similar to
responses given when a child is first learning to speak.
Parents are required to provide a good practice environment
where daily practicing is seen as a way of life, not a chore.
There are three roles of parents in a Suzuki triangle relationship:
1. The Role of the Parent at the Lesson - The parents observes, takes notes, and does not interrupt the flow of the communication with the teacher unless expressly called upon.
2. The Role of the Parent at Home - Incorporate practicing into a daily routine without fail. Encourage and praise attempts, not success. Never ever show boredom with repetitions of pieces.
3. The Role of Other Relatives at Home - Siblings can be encouraged to be supportive of each other's efforts by enthusiasm. Other family members can partake in mini-recitals set on a weekly basis.
