 Every Child Can Learn
More than forty years ago, Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over 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. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., 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. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.
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 other’s 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 an 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.
This Article Courtesy of Suzuki Association.org
Steps on the Road to Playing
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on the Guitar
By Lisa Ronis, Suzuki Guitar Instructor
- Before you start Suzuki Guitar lessons with your child, observe at least two private lessons and one group lesson. You may bring your child, but please make sure he or she can sit quietly for 30 minutes. Call the instructor, Lisa Ronis, 221-4300 for lesson times.
- If you are not able to start lessons right away, begin reading the book, Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki and start listening to the Suzuki Guitar Volume 1 cd or cassette. Both are available from Young Musicians, https://www.ymonline.com, or 817-741-3838.
- Play the cd all the time so that you and your child are able to hum to and recognize the melodies. When you are able to start the parent education class, you will be much more prepared.
- During the parent education class, you and two to three other parents will learn about the Suzuki Philosophy, how it is based on the idea that all children have the ability to learn a musical instrument provided that they have the right environment. You will also discover that this approach is more than just playing a musical instrument. Your child will develop many abilities such as the ability to concentrate and to solve problems. At this time, you will want to start looking for a guitar that you can use while you learn how to play the beginning songs and how to read music. The instructor will also help you to select an instrument for your child.
- Why do this? Why must the parent take the lessons? You have already taught your child many things, how to walk, and how to talk. You are your child's best and most important teacher. You are also his or her most important role model.
- Now the fun begins. Your child will be ready to learn the first song: “Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star”. You will feel just as proud and excited as when your child said his or her first words, "Mama" and/or "Papa"
Suzuki Guitar's Most Frequently Answered Questions
Answered By Lisa Ronis, Suzuki Guitar Instructor
Question: |
My child shows a strong interest in music. Which instrument should he or she start with? |
Answer: |
As a Suzuki parent, you will be learning the instrument along with your child. You might decide which instrument you are interested in learning and for what reasons. Personally, I would like for my own daughter to learn violin because my mother played violin. |
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Question: |
At what age should my child start music lessons? |
Answer: |
Dr. Suzuki says that music education should begin at birth. Of course you will not be sending your newborn to music lessons, but you can begin by playing the Suzuki Guitar School Volume 1 and recordings of other music. Most three and four year olds are ready to start after the parent has had between 2 to 6 months of guitar study. While the progress may be very slow in the beginning, the learning process you and your child are experiencing is a very rewarding one. |
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Question: |
Does my child need a specially sized instrument? |
Answer: |
Yes, and it is recommended that you contact me before purchasing an instrument. I can purchase quality guitars from some companies which give me a teacher's discount. I pass that along to the student. I also have some small guitars available for rent for a nominal fee. |
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Question: |
My child starts some thing and then loses interest in it a few weeks later. What should I do? |
Answer: |
This is best answered by directly quoting Dr. Suzuki. "If children become interested in something and wish to pursue it on their own accord, of course you must let them do it if it is a good thing, and at the same time offer guidance so that it will develop ability. In many cases, children try a little bit of everything, wanting to do this and that, constantly moving on to new things. Since this is how children are naturally, if you allow their spoiled whims to get the better of them, the child will turn out to be a person of no ability with nothing special about him for life. It does not matter what you choose; please pick one thing for your child while he is small, and educate him by the talent education (Suzuki) approach. " |
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Question: |
Does my child have any musical talent? |
Answer: |
Dr. Suzuki says that all children have the ability to learn a musical instrument since they have the ability to learn their native language. Talent is not inborn, but il is developed. As an adult you probably know how difficult it is to learn a second language, but it is so easy for young children. Children are able to learn how to play the guitar if they are introduced to it in their environment. Recordings make this environment very easy. A young child will be very motivated to learn if he or she sees the parent(s) playing or learning how to play the guitar. |
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