Reprinted from The Oregonian, October 19, 2000

Like 5-year-old violinist Henry Simons, many children who take Suzuki lessons start to play an instrument while still very young. By Linda Baker

Accompanied by his teacher, 5-year-old Henry Simons is playing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" on the violin. "You're off to a wonderful start," says his instructor, Edie Bennett, beaming. "I like the way you're doing long bow strokes."

A two-year veteran of the Suzuki music method, Henry has been taking violin lessons since he was a toddler.

"Henry just loved the violin; he was always saying: 'Mama, teach me. Mama, teach me,' " says Sherry Simons, his mother. "I told him when we don't have to buy diapers we'll buy violin lessons. So when the time came, he said to me: 'Now, mama?' "

Developed by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki more than 40 years ago, the Suzuki method is now used in countries around the world. Suzuki lessons, rooted in the philosophy that all children have the ability to learn to play a musical instrument, are based on memorization, not sight reading. Like Henry, many children who take Suzuki lessons begin playing when they are very young.

Suzuki is often called the "mother tongue method," says Bennett, who studied with Shinichi Suzuki at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan, during the 1970s and 1980s. Just as children learn to speak their native language by listening and imitating, she said, children learn music by listening to recordings at home and absorbing the music.

On this particular day, Bennett says she wants Henry to focus on holding his wrist correctly and standing up straight. After "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," Henry plays an A major scale followed by "Allegro," a piece composed by Suzuki. "It's my favorite," Henry says.

After he finishes each piece, Bennett reminds Henry to take a bow. Then it's on to lessons in pitch and rhythm.

Henry's command of the violin is downright impressive.

"In Suzuki, children do learn to read music, but it's delayed," says Bennett. "Just like children first learn to speak and then learn to read."

Henry's lessons usually last 30 minutes. But the lessons go at his own pace, Simons said. "There's no pressure." In keeping with the Suzuki philosophy, Bennett has her students participate in occasional recitals. "But one time Henry didn't want to go," says Simons. "And that was fine."

Although Henry loves the lessons and is "mesmerized" by the violin, Simons said, the classes influence much more than his ability to play an instrument. "It gives him so much joy and pleasure," she says. "We live a good 40 minutes away from here, but he's always excited about coming."

The Suzuki Association of America provides a listing of Suzuki teachers working in cities across the country. Parents should interview the teacher in person or by phone. "The rapport between child and teacher is extremely important," Bennett says.

Parents also play an active role in the learning process, she says. "They're the home teachers and the coaches."

At home, Henry likes to play different songs for different rooms in the house. "There's no set time to practice, but we try and play a little every day," says Simons. "We go out and play for the birds on the patio."

"And the fish. I like to play for the fish," adds Henry.

For more information about the Suzuki method, contact Edie Bennett, 503-246-9945, or the Suzuki Association of America, 303-444-0948.