The Suzuki method was created by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) in the mid 20th century. This method is based on the mother-tongue approach. The mother-tongue approach is the idea that children learn their native language by hearing others speaking their native dialect. Music is learned the same way using the Suzuki method as children learn pieces by listening to music daily. There are three components of the Suzuki triangle which includes the parent, child and teacher. The parent and teacher work together to help a student develop technique and ability. The parent and teacher also serve as the child’s “cheerleader” and celebrate small steps that the child achieves.
With the Suzuki method, children can begin violin lessons as young as three as one of the main features of this method is delayed note reading. Many famous violinists such as Rachel Barton Pine and Hilary Hahn began studying the violin at an early age using the Suzuki method.
The parent serves as the home teacher when practicing at home with the child. Although some parents may feel uncomfortable in this role, they are able to correct their child’s technique (ie bow hold) as the teacher models what a good bow hold looks like in the lesson. It is advisable to have the same parent that practices with their child at home present at the lessons. In addition, it is the parent’s job to play daily recordings of the music the child is currently studying. I advise my student’s parents to play succeeding pieces every day so their children will be more familiar with subsequent pieces. The benefits of daily listening include increased sense of pitch sensitivity (recognizing when a note is too low or high), rhythm and dynamics (when to play loud and soft) as well as other musical nuances.
As the student advances through the Suzuki repertoire, they will require a longer lesson. A general rule of thumb is a 30 minute lesson for books one and two and 45 minute lessons for book three. Longer lessons will give the student the opportunity to work on double stops (playing two strings at once) and different bowing techniques (spiccato, ricochet and other off the string bow strokes) as well as additional advanced material. material. For books four and above, an hour lesson is needed.
