“Talent is no accident of birth. In today’s society a good many people seem to have the idea that if one is born without talent, there is nothing he can do about it; they simply resign themselves to what they consider to be their fate." Shinichi Suzuki
“When love is deep, much can be accomplished.”
Shinichi Suzuki
“If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart."
Shinichi Suzuki
About the Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method of music education is based on the philosophy and teaching methods of Japanese violinist, educator and humanitarian, Dr Shinichi Suzuki.
Dr Suzuki believed in the great potential of music to enrich children's lives, and developed a method of music education to enable children to play music to their highest possible level of ability and grow into sensitive, creative and determined human beings.
A natural learning process
In the Suzuki approach, children tend to start learning an instrument at an early age, when new skills and languages are absorbed and learned with ease. The premise is simple and natural; children learn to play a musical instrument in the same way that they learn to master their complex native language. They listen, repeat, and then learn to read.
Every child can learn
Any and every child can learn to play an instrument; if a child learns and plays in a positive and encouraging environment, they will be able to develop their ability and enjoy music-making. It isn't about being 'naturally musical' or 'musically talented' it's about creating the opportunities, working hard and having fun.
Developing the parent-child relationship
Children, particularly very young children, need support and guidance from a parent or carer in order to learn effectively. Parents attend all Suzuki individual and group lessons, and help by taking notes and leading practice sessions at home. Through the Suzuki approach, a strong bond is created between child, parent and teacher, and lessons are a happy and educational experience for both parent and child. Suzuki learning provides parents with the rare opportunity to be directly involved in their children's education, and to devote quality time each day to their child away from the distractions of modern life.
Positive, rewarding, fun
Skills and pieces are broken down into manageable chunks, and games, songs and imagery are used to ensure learning is enjoyable. Children learn in a safe and positive environment, where they progress quickly and achieve fantastic results with support, encouragement and sincere praise from parent and teacher.
Developing key life skills
Suzuki teachers teach the child, not the violin; it's a holistic approach that helps children to become well-rounded, perceptive, resilient human beings who achieve great results in all areas of their lives.
Making friends
Making music is all about having fun and communicating with others. In the Suzuki approach, children have a weekly individual lesson and also attend group lessons, workshops and perform in concerts - right from the beginning. Children enjoy playing music together and see their peers doing the same thing, parents meet and share their experiences, and life-long friendships are forged.
As all Suzuki students learn the pieces of music that make up Suzuki's ten repertoire books (and other pieces too!), they can play together with children of different ages, from various backgrounds and countries.