Suzuki Philosophy

Dr.Suzuki’s philosophy states that all children can become fine musicians if they are raised in the proper environment from birth. In the beginning stages of their music training, children will learn to produce music just as they learn to speak their native language: by listening. Dr. Suzuki called this the “Mother Tongue” method. The parent and child are provided with recordings of the music that the child will be learning. When the child has internalized the music and can hum the tune, he/she is ready to learn the piece on the instrument. Once the child has mastered several pieces and developed a secure technique, music reading is introduced on the instrument.

Another important aspect of the Suzuki method is the “Home Teacher”. This is the parent who will work with the child at home as well as come to the lessons with the child. This parent will learn about the Suzuki philosophy as well as learn the basics of the instrument the child will be playing. Positive reinforcement and the process of creating desire in the child to learn are part of what the Home Teachers’ responsibilities are. The parent observes each lesson and will be able to guide and motivate the child at home. The parent and child learn to work closely together and are careful to observe proper posture, tone and finger placement

Dr. Suzuki took great care when choosing the music he would use in his method. The music carefully develops the skills of the student at a gradual pace and is sequenced so that each piece develops a particular skill. Subsequent pieces continue to reinforce the new skill and introduce something new.

Once a student has learned a piece of music, they review the piece on a regular basis. Dr. Suzuki stressed that ability is developed through the repetition of pieces that we know how to play. Nuances of tone, articulation and dynamics are developed while playing the review pieces. Dr. Suzuki believed that music education was a way to develop the whole child. The numerous skills that a child gains through music study are evidence of this. Through his method, Dr. Suzuki has provided all of us with the ability to provide our children with skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

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111 Church Hill Road P.O. Box 3054 Newtown, CT 06470-3054 (203) 426-3939