What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki method is an educational philosophy based on basic principles of language acquisition and Dr. Suzuki’s belief that “the potential of every child is unlimited”. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, and constant repetition are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach. For more details, please see our Suzuki Method page.
I'm not a musician. Will the Suzuki method still work for me?
Absolutely! In the early lessons the parent learns ahead of the child. Learning is incremental and the parents are taught the rudimentary skills of the instrument so they are able to truly understand their child’s experience and be an efficient practice partner at home. Prior musical knowledge is not a prerequisite.
How young is “too young” to start an instrument?
Your child is too young if, when given a simple instruction, they lay down on the floor and wiggle around. We begin instrumental instruction as early as four or five years of age, although each child has their own developmental timeline and may need to wait longer.
Your child is never too young, though, to be exposed to music! Beginning in utero, babies have the capability of remembering certain music pieces and enjoying music. At ages 0-3 consider our Little Treble Makers' Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes as an introduction to musical activities in a classroom setting and an excellent way to prepare for the Suzuki Method.
Your child is never too young, though, to be exposed to music! Beginning in utero, babies have the capability of remembering certain music pieces and enjoying music. At ages 0-3 consider our Little Treble Makers' Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes as an introduction to musical activities in a classroom setting and an excellent way to prepare for the Suzuki Method.
Is one ever “too old” to begin instruction?
No! We have students of all ages, including adults. When asked “What is the oldest child you accept as a beginner,” Suzuki would respond, “Let us start today before the child is older!” We feel the optimal time for a child to begin Suzuki instruction is between the ages of 4 and 7.
Will I be involved in my child's lessons?
Yes! Because children usually start so young, parent involvement is essential.
When a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the process with their child. In the Suzuki Method, parents attend lessons with the child and serve as their practice partner during the week. Previous musical knowledge from the parent is not at all required as the teacher ensures that parents understand all unfamiliar technical and musical concepts, often learning fundamental playing ahead of the child. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.
For more details, please see our Suzuki Method page.
When a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the process with their child. In the Suzuki Method, parents attend lessons with the child and serve as their practice partner during the week. Previous musical knowledge from the parent is not at all required as the teacher ensures that parents understand all unfamiliar technical and musical concepts, often learning fundamental playing ahead of the child. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.
For more details, please see our Suzuki Method page.
Do Suzuki kids learn how to read music?
Definitely! Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. In the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music. Thousands of professional musicians, including our faculty, have grown up on the Suzuki method.
I want my child to have violin lessons, but are both private and group lessons really necessary?
A Suzuki program is not complete without both private and group lessons. In private lessons we are able to work in detail on the child’s individual needs. Group class provides the teacher with a medium in which to motivate students to learn from each other in a relaxed environment through shared repertoire, musical games, and music theory development.
Students who only take private lessons tend to experience a kind of isolationism. They don't have any idea of what's possible, what other kids their age are doing, and they're not part of a community of learners. Learning is much slower, more awkward, and more difficult. By contrast, group classes expose children to their peers. They work together, learn together, and are encouraged by seeing students more advanced than they are.
More benefits of group classes HERE.
Students who only take private lessons tend to experience a kind of isolationism. They don't have any idea of what's possible, what other kids their age are doing, and they're not part of a community of learners. Learning is much slower, more awkward, and more difficult. By contrast, group classes expose children to their peers. They work together, learn together, and are encouraged by seeing students more advanced than they are.
More benefits of group classes HERE.
I’m very interested! What is the first step?
The first step in joining our program is setting up private and group lesson observation times. Please see our Contact Us page. Also, please wait for teacher-assistance before buying/renting an instrument.