Suzuki Method of Music Instruction – What do you think?

I, too, am a classically trained pianist (not Suzuki) and would have no other violin instruction for my children. I specifically sought out the Suzuki program because of Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy of music instruction and learning in general. We are SO BLSSED to have a husband/wife team in our area who studied with Dr. Suzuki himself and therefore understand firsthand his heart of character first, ability second and with th right environment and the right works, every child CAN, and seek to convey that in our lessons. We drive an hour each way twice a week and it’s worth every mile. This is our 7th year of this commitment.

Dr. Suzuki developed his method when he discovered that all Japanese children speak Japanese. This was an epiphany to him because he realized they did not have to know the mechanics of music before playing beautifully and fluently. This does not mean that Suzuki students are poor readers. On the contrary, I find that this (slightly) delayed start to reading makes them stronger readers because the children are not splitting their brains between learning how to manipulate their instrument and reading at the same time. Dr. Suzuki’s pedagogy is brilliant. The music is laid out in such a logical manner that technique seamlessly progresses.

Now…that said…I do not know anything about Suzuki instruction for other instruments other that violin for which it was developed. And THE TEACHER IS CRITICAL to this method, as it is for any other method. It’s like doing CM. There are many moms who do Charlotte Mason-y things, but do not do Charlotte Mason because, without knowing her heart, you’re just checking off requirements. The teachers…and the parents…should read Dr. Suzuki’s writing themselves, just as CM moms should read CM’s writings. The parents in our studio are required to read Nurtured by Love by Dr. Suzuki.

Not that this is what it’s about, but it’s interesting that Julliard recently had a world-wide violin competition. Talented violinists came from all around the world to play for the prestigious event. The top 10 were eventually chosen and on a whim, renowned violinist and instructor at Julliard asked the finalists how many we’re Suziki-trained. All of them.

Our studio’s website is http://www.academyofstrings.com if you would like to read more about what Dr. Suzuki himself believed about his method and education. It might help you make an informed decision.

I like Suzuki’s approach.  He had many similar ideas about children as Charlotte Mason, especially in his deep respect for children and his view that they can all learn when presented with opportunities.  From what I’ve read, instructors are taught to be very postive and playful with the students.  The methods are very focused and well designed to teach specific skills in a very organized order, but in a way that will make a positive experience for the student.  Of course, much of that depends on the teacher and how well they follow Suzuki’s recommendations.

We have done a ‘do-it-yourself’ version of Suzuki violin, because time and money didn’t permit us to put DD in lessons when she had a great desire to learn.  I’ve done lots of reading, watched lots of videos on Youtube, to teach myself the basics, and then taught DD.  So we didn’t have a trained Suzuki teacher, but I’ve learned much from learning about the method.  DD is now going to join our community Music Enrichment program (now that she is old enough to enroll), which will not be Suzuki, but I’m glad her first introduction was with this approach.

From what I understand, parents usually just learn along with the child by attending the child’s lessons, so you don’t have to take an extra class yourself.  If that isn’t how your program is set up, one option I can recommend is http://www.reddesertviolin.com/onlinelessons/  I’ve been using her online lessons and I really appreciate her thoroughness and clear instructions.  She is willing to do personal coaching through email (you can send videos for her to critique.)  It’s as close to an in-person lesson as I can get right now.  Now that DD got me started on this journey, I want to learn, just for myself!

Joanne

And here your lessons are a part of your child’s lessons – so the only extra cost is a violin/flute for you – and you can rent that.  They require you to take lessons up to a certain point as a part of the practice at home is you modelling the playing.

Yes, HSMom03, you have plenty of time.

I just typed up a whole explanation of what we use and why and for some reason it disappeared. 

We currently use Suzuki for violin and traditional for piano.  My ds who is taking both much prefers violin over piano and it has more to do with method/teacher than instrument.  He has expressed more stress from piano than he ever has over violin.  He still likes piano but I have considered finding a different method/teacher for him.  His piano teacher is definitely “public school” minded and the focus on “getting through the workbook” is evident.  She is a professional and definitely knows what she is doing, can’t take that away from her, but it is less enjoyable, that’s for sure.

This is based on our experience only and each will have their own.

I agree, blue j. Our teacher is very much concerned that my ds enjoys what he is playing, allowing him to explore many pieces outside the workbook.

@robin, thank you for such a beautiful description of Dr. Suzuki & the recommended reading; I will definitely look into those. And, I think I will have a conversation with the teacher about the method & his desire to teach using it. It may very well be that that was how he was taught, but I’d just like to understand his take on the philosophy a bit more.

Speaking of, I didn’t really realize we were using a “method” for violin until a couple of years passed (we’re entering our 4th year). No wonder my ds is enjoying it so much! It is his favorite instrument & has always wanted to learn it, but I think for him, the method is what has sealed the deal.