Every Child Can Learn.
Dr. Suzuki believed that every child can be educated. Every child has the potential to reach a high level of skill. Daily practicing and listening are the keys to a child’s musical success.
The “Mother Tongue” Approach
The “Mother Tongue” approach is based on Dr. Suzuki’s belief that all children can learn when given the opportunity. Every child is expected to speak. Children are lovingly and patiently taught their native language by hearing it spoken around them all of the time. They repeat the sounds they hear as they slowly and constantly build their own ability to speak. Listening, imitation, and repetition also build a child's ability to play music.
Encouragement of an Early Start
We are never too old to learn, but it is easier to get an early start. A three-year-old child can begin their music education.
Parent Involvement is Crucial
The parent is the teacher’s aid in the home. The parent attends every lesson, takes notes on assignments, and directs home practice with the teacher’s guidance and supervision.
Daily Listening
Students listen to their current pieces daily and repeatedly. They listen for the purpose of review and familiarization of future pieces.
Learning by Repetition
Students constantly review and refine the pieces that they have learned. This in turn strengthens memory, solidifies technique, and develops musical expression.
Step-by-Step Mastery
Each skill and piece of music is broken down into the most basic units, which are carefully mastered before continuing. This insures a child’s ease of playing and ultimate success in performance.
Positive Reinforcement Promotes Success
Enjoyment is an important part of the learning process. The teacher and parent praise the child’s success. They find supportive and creative ways to work towards further improvement.
Weekly Individual and Group Lessons
Individual lessons provide the parent and child with the tools they need to work together at home. Group lessons provide an opportunity for a student to practice those skills with others, review the materials from the private lesson, and gain confidence and inspiration from other students.
Parent-Teacher-Child Triangle
The responsibility of the child’s progress lies with the parents and the teach. They work together to nurture ability. They are the base that hold up the child at the top of this triangle. They not only instill a music education, they work together to develop the whole child.
