As you enter into this musical journey with your child there is so much that is new and different. There are three main ideas behind the Suzuki method of teaching a musical instrument.

Philosophy

Our purpose as Suzuki teachers is to develop the child’s individual abilities so that the ability becomes an integral part of each child.

All children learn their native tongue. This is done by listening to and imitating their parents. Dr. Suzuki called this approach “mother tongue”. This is the approach we use in teaching a musical instrument.
Skills are taught in small increments with lots of repetition and positive reinforcement for each successful attempt.

 Curriculum

The Suzuki curriculum begins with “Twinkle Twinkle” and ends with a Mozart Concerto. Each successive piece was designed by Dr. Suzuki to introduce and build on technical skills while learning them through musical selections that are interesting and enjoyable for students and parents. Motivation comes from learning new pieces.

Technical Concepts

The Suzuki method is unique in its approach to musical learning. Much of the repertoire is learned by ear and requires the use of recordings. Listening must be on a daily basis in order to learn the songs and develop a good sense of violin tone, rhythm, and pitch.

Children begin at an early age, as young as four years old. Because the child is so young, we invite the parent to assist in the daily practice at home and to partner with the teacher and child. This is what we call the Suzuki triangle – parent, teacher and child.
Because the child is so young, the parent attends lessons, takes notes, and practices daily with the child at home. This partnership between parent, teacher and child is what we call the Suzuki triangle.

Suzuki Philosophy

Our purpose is to apply educational methods that develop children’s individual abilities so that the ability becomes an integral part of the child. Every child has talent.

Individual lessons

Individual lessons are once a week. A parent attends the lesson prepared to take notes. At the end of each lesson the teacher can answer questions and explain what the student and parent will practice in the coming week.

The parent has the notes to refer to during the daily practice. It is recommended that one parent regularly attend lessons and practice with the student. This promotes a strong parent – teacher – child relationship that builds consistency.

Group lessons

Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki method. They create a musical community for students and parents, developing friendships, musical bonds and a sense of the greater musical world.

Skills such as ensemble playing, following a leader/teacher, technique, ear training, rhythm and much more are taught in group lesson. In addition to private lessons, group lessons give students an opportunity to perform and socialize with other violinists at their level.

Suzuki Institute

Institute is a week long summer program dedicated to teaching and enriching Suzuki students. Parents must attend with their students and have an opportunity to spend time with their student and other Suzuki parents. Institutes are held across the U.S. and Canada throughout the summer including one in Atlanta.

Typical daily classes include a semi-private lesson, repertoire class, technique class and rhythm and movement class all at the student’s level. Older students have opportunities to participate in orchestra, chamber music and other additional classes. Attending recitals is an enjoyable daily event. Institute begins with a Play-In for all students and culminates with a final concert in which all students perform.