What is the Suzuki® Method?
"Every child can be educated by the "Mother Tongue" method. It was forty years ago when this
astonishing fact occurred to me. Children everywhere in the world were speaking in their own
language; moreover, they did this fluently, which required a very high level of proficiency. As a
result, I learned that the natural method of teaching a child its mother tongue is a marvelous
educational process. It fills the child with enthusiasm!"
- Shinichi Suzuki
Suzuki instruction is unique because:
- children begin as early as possible
- listening and practicing are equally important
- all material is memorized
- cooperation, not competition, is stressed
- all children perform in concerts, recitals and public performances, not just a selected few
- parents are an important part of the process
- in addition to weekly lessons, all students attend regular repertoire classes which include
performance and ensemble experiences
What is the parent's role?
Parents are an integral part of the Suzuki experience. They may be asked
to take lessons before their child begins; they take notes, learn to play the
early pieces and give support to their child during lesson time. They also serve
as "home" teacher, providing guidance and encouragement outside the studio.
Why Suzuki for your child?
The Suzuki method enables a parent to spend quality time each day with his/her child, and it
helps a child develop self-confidence, poise, determination, self-discipline and sensitivity. An
additional advantage of Suzuki is the potential for each child to recognize his/her worth has a
human being. The method is unique in that the child comes first, and the instrument is a tool by
which these attributes are developed.
For more information about the Suzuki Association of the Americas,
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