What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki method is a natural approach to music named after renowned Japanese violinist and teacher, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. In his observations and study of teaching children for over 50 years, he saw how music enriched children’s lives. Very young children, birth through age 3, can learn to play an instrument through what Dr. Suzuki called, the “mother tongue” influence. This is where the child learns first by ear imitating and enjoying his or her musical environment. His goal was to help children reach their full potential as a person, developing the whole child, a good and happy person.
Why is the Suzuki Method so effective for young students?
- Music influences early childhood development: children learn more about the world around them, practice social skills and gain critical thinking skills
- Children learn to use their senses: They learn to listen carefully to their instrument, know their instrument by touch, and use logic by reading and understanding music
- With the help of the parent or primary caregiver, the young child learns how to practice effectively so they will become independent learners
- Parents learn so much about their children learn as they participate in the learning process each week
- Older students benefit from the Suzuki Method because they have the potential to understand, process and learn combinations of reading, using their ear and understanding their instrument at a much faster pace that a much younger child
- Studies show that music positively influences children in school with increased grades & social emotional skills