The Suzuki Method
What is Suzuki Method?
- A philosophy of teaching that emphasizes development of ability and character through music.
- Special emphasis is placed on listening and tone production as well as development of the whole child.
How is the Suzuki Method different from other piano methods?
- Nurturing, loving and supportive teaching of the whole child
- Children encouraged to begin at a young age
- Attention to musicality taught from the first lesson
- Parents attend and participate in lessons and practice
- Every accomplishment celebrated
- Daily listening essential to success
Who can take Suzuki piano lessons?
- Anyone who has an acoustic piano (spinet, upright or grand) in the home
- A electronic keyboard is not a substitute for a real piano
What are the advantages of Suzuki piano?
- Joy in learning
- Success built into program
- Self confidence and self esteem
- Beautiful performance of repertoire at any level
- Development of ability and life tools
- Respect for Individual learning style and character
- Mastery of skills
Do Suzuki students learn how to read music?
- Important for any pianist
- Introduced at age and developmental appropriateness
- Thorough, systematic focus on mastery of note reading
- Supplemental repertoire
- Exploration of other musical styles
Suzuki Piano Lessons
When is a good time to start my child in Suzuki piano lessons?
- Somewhere between 3 and 6 years of age is ideal
- Parents do not need to have studied music
- Parents attend 2 one hour introductory classes
- Parents and child observe 2 lessons of beginning students at similar age
Do I need a piano to take lessons?
- Yes, an acoustic piano is needed to take lessons
- Electronic keyboards do not allow the student to learn tone quality and touch sensitivity
What is a group class?
- Monthly class
- Integral part of Suzuki program
- Theory, ear-training, history in a fun group setting
- Introduction to musical concepts not covered in lessons
- Discussion and practice of performance etiquette
- Performing opportunity in addition to recitals
- Rewarding experience of piano with others
- Development of musical community within the studio
Suzuki Teacher Training
What is Suzuki teacher training?
- In-depth pedagogical study of teaching, especially of Suzuki piano repertoire
- Thorough coverage of all elements of teaching and running a studio
- Required hours of live observation of master teacher(s)
- Discussion of teaching techniques and when and how to apply them
- Opportunity to join a supportive, intelligent, up-to-date educational community
What does Suzuki teacher training offer me?
- How to teach any child to play piano musically
- Guidelines for teaching piano at any level
- How to help students develop their abilities to the highest level
- New insights into your own piano technique
- Increased awareness of yourself as a teacher and musician
- How to start your own teaching business and run it successfully
- Practical pedagogy beyond that offered at the university level