Suzuki Method

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898 - 1998) started the Talent Education movement (also called Suzuki Method) when he observed that children all over the world could speak complex languages at an early age. He observed that this was accomplished by hearing words and then imitating the sounds. Reading was usually delayed until a child developed a large vocabulary. The child's listening ear was developed before printed text was introduced. Dr. Suzuki applied this concept to music and other areas of learning.

In the case of violin instruction, the child hears the music first and music reading is delayed until the student has a large repertoire of songs. In Suzuki Method lessons, a student plays by ear at first with a gradual transition to note reading. In an ideal situation, the student listens daily to a CD of the music that will be studied. In the lessons, everything is taught step by step and paced according to the needs of the individual child. The students are guided through each step and praised for their accomplishments.

"Musical ability is not an inborn talent, but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited." -Shinichi Suzuki

For an in-depth look at Suzuki Method, go to www.suzukiassociation.org