The Western Reserve Suzuki School

An Introduction to the Suzuki Approach

The Suzuki 'Method' is a philosophy of studying music originating in Japan by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Originally developed for violin study, the Suzuki Approach has since been adapted for use in the study of various instruments as a natural way of learning music. It is often called the “mother-tongue” approach because the children learn music in the same way they learn to speak their native language. 

Children learn an entire language at a very young age because it is a part of their environment. The same is true in music. This means that everyone can develop superior sensitivity and a true understanding of music if they are immersed in an environment of high-quality music. Working together as a triangle, the parent, child and teacher can create an environment where every child can develop ability and a beautiful heart. 

THE SUZUKI ENVIRONMENT

Children learning to speak, hear and understand much of their language before learning to speak. Children learn to speak because they are consistently being talked to. They are encouraged and expected to speak. When studying an instrument by way of the Suzuki Approach, children must first be totally acquainted with the literature they will be studying, just as they are acquainted with their native language. By listening and watching, children learn very naturally. The teacher only needs to show them how to bring out the “musical language” that they already know. As students advance, they become familiar with high quality music. 

A POSITIVE-ONE STEP AT A TIME APPROACH

When children learn to speak, we don’t immediately expect them to speak perfectly. We do, however, expect them to eventually be able to express themselves fluently. In the process, we encourage the child by repeating the words over and over. For example, how many times did you say “mama” to your small child? When “mama” was attempted, like most parents, I’m sure, you responded with “Yes!!”, and then repeated it again and again.

In the Suzuki Approach, we learn one step at a time, or perhaps one finger, one rhythm pattern, one technique. We learn by repetition and positive reinforcement. Dr. Suzuki says, “Don’t push, don’t scold, and don’t forget to praise.” When one step is mastered, we add the next step. In this way, everything is learned completely and thoroughly. Continual work on review pieces allows a child to experience mastery while continuing to build upon an increasing foundation of skills necessary for upcoming repertoire.

READING

In the same way that children learn to speak first, then read, the Suzuki Approach teaches children to play their instrument before they read music. Reading is a necessary, but separate skill and really has nothing to do with a child’s ability to play, just as reading books has nothing to do with one’s ability to speak.

When children are ready to begin reading in school, they are usually ready to begin reading music as well. For older beginners (7, 8 or 9years old) reading can begin almost simultaneously with their study of the Suzuki literature. However, they are learning two separate skills. It takes much practice and time before a person is reading at the same level as their speech and this is also true of music.

By studying music this way, children will already have the ability to play with musical understanding and sensitivity. Only after these skills are developed will they be able to understand the musical score, and see the real music that it represents.