Suzuki Program

The Musical Arts Center provides Suzuki-based course of study in piano and violin by a committed and experienced faculty who are highly trained in the Suzuki Method.

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s innovative philosophy and teaching method was born from his research into how children learn. His first step was to study the way children learn to speak their native language which led to his conclusion that most children are born with the ability to learn (through listening, imitation, and repetition). Blossoming from this ideology came the development of curriculum and materials best suited to assist and motivate the child to unfold and discover their own potential.

The Suzuki Method provides for a methodology of both guided and self-directed study. Together, the student and parent attend a private lesson, as well as periodic group lessons, where the teacher presents the lesson techniques in an appropriately paced steps through literature, music recordings, and age appropriate note reading materials. The parent then takes the presented materials and organizes them into smaller practice periods at home, thus becoming the home teacher.

Suzuki lessons are the perfect complement to your child’s Montessori education or early Kindergarten experience. The purpose of the Suzuki Method is not only to provide a strong musical foundation for the young child, but to also nurture the abilities they already possess. Early exposure to the Suzuki Method at the Musical Arts Center can give your child a head start to a lifelong appreciation of music, as well as enhance the parent-child relationship, increasing their fine-motor and memory skills, and build up their own confidence and self-esteem. A winning combination.

Responsibilities of Suzuki Parents

There are several major differences between Suzuki music lessons and traditional lessons. The Suzuki philosophy believes that children learn through listening, imitation, and repetition. Together the student and parent attend a private weekly lesson, as well as periodic group lessons. The parent takes the materials presented and organizes them into smaller practice periods at home, thus becoming the home teacher. Music study becomes a collaborative, family experience. Here is a summary of the parent’s main responsibilities.

Always be conscious of providing a good musical environment for your child. Be sure the study recordings are played as often as possible every day.
Practice with your child every day. If your child does not feel like practicing on a particular day, do it anyway, but shorten the practice and get at least one thing done successfully. Always practice with a positive attitude.
Make every effort to attend all lessons, play-ins, recitals, and work-shops that are offered.
Take detailed notes at the lesson. Be sure you understand the home assignments before leaving. Follow your teacher’s instructions in how to practice and drill. Use the same vocabulary and practice techniques the teacher uses to facilitate learning and minimize misunderstandings.
Practicing previously assigned repertoire is important to the Suzuki method. Polishing these materials allows a student to be able to move forward more seamlessly. Students who review are less likely to get “stuck” on one piece because they continue to build on fundamentals of technique and musicality.