Dr. Suzuki
The Suzuki Method was founded by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan in 1942 and brought to the U.S. In 1964. Since then, it has become the most widely used method for teaching children of all ages to play stringed instruments. Suzuki realized that children all over the world learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. Here are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach:
Parent Involvement: As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week.
Early Beginning: The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
Listening: Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
Repetition: Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
Encouragement: As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each others efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
Learning with Other Children: In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from and are motivated by each other.
Graded Repertoire: Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
Delayed Reading: 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.
The Suzuki Method teaches that talent is not inborn. It is believed that every child can develop the skills necessary to play a musical instrument if taught in a loving, nurturing environment. Suzuki said that "the potential of every child is unlimited." He believed that "the main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings...Children can play very well. We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also."
Would you like to learn more? Read 'Nurtured By Love' written by Shinichi Suzuki.
Source: http://suzukiassociation.org/parents/twinkler/
Parent Involvement: As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week.
Early Beginning: The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
Listening: Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
Repetition: Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
Encouragement: As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each others efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
Learning with Other Children: In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from and are motivated by each other.
Graded Repertoire: Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
Delayed Reading: 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.
The Suzuki Method teaches that talent is not inborn. It is believed that every child can develop the skills necessary to play a musical instrument if taught in a loving, nurturing environment. Suzuki said that "the potential of every child is unlimited." He believed that "the main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings...Children can play very well. We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also."
Would you like to learn more? Read 'Nurtured By Love' written by Shinichi Suzuki.
Source: http://suzukiassociation.org/parents/twinkler/