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The Suzuki Approach

9 September 2024

The Suzuki approach to learning the violin was developed by Dr Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998), a Japanese violin teacher and philosopher. Later this approach was also developed for learning piano, viola, cello, double bass, flute, harp, singing, and classical guitar.

 

Key points about the Suzuki music learning philosophy

 

Every child (and adult) can learn piano

 

According to Shinichi Suzuki the ability to play music is not inborn but developed. This means that every child (and adult), except those with severe disabilities, can develop the ability to play the piano after enough practice. Each person will develop at their own pace, so it is best not to compare one person’s progress with another’s.

 

The Suzuki approach is based on the mother-tongue method

 

When a young child learns their mother language, the child learns to listen and understand first, then learns to speak, and learns to read and write later. In the Suzuki approach students listen to the music first to create a model in their memory. Then they learn to coordinate both hands on the piano. Only when the basic piano playing skills are established do they learn to read music.

Just like children learn to speak their mother tongue by listening to real conversation, Suzuki students learn real piano pieces from the outset that are carefully selected to build skills. Some pieces are challenging and some pieces help the person to practise skills already learnt. In contrast, the traditional approach to learning the piano involves students learning to read music from the outset, starting with simple exercises and then moving on to simplified pieces.

 

Listening is very important

 

The more students listen to the Suzuki pieces the quicker they will learn to play these.  It’s recommended that the student listens to a recording of their current Suzuki book every day. They can listen to it in the background, for example, while driving to and from school, while having breakfast, or doing other things at home. There are recordings available on CD, YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify.

The recording of Suzuki Volume 1 takes about 18 minutes. It would also be helpful if the student could already listen to recordings of Volume 2 and 3 too. It’s also important that students listen regularly to good recordings of other classical music too.

 

Repetition

 

In the Suzuki approach students develop ability through the mastery of small steps and by frequently practising the skills they have learnt. During the lessons the teacher gives the student specific things to practise during the week until they can do these naturally and fluently. It’s important that the student practises piano every day, ideally around the same time, so practice time becomes a normal part of their daily routine.

Each lesson will include the student playing pieces they already know, to help the student to play with better skill and a more beautiful sound. It is important that the student plays all the pieces they know several times during the week, while paying attention to the specific goals the teacher gave during the lesson.

 

The Suzuki Triangle

 

The Suzuki approach relies on a partnership between the teacher, the student, and the parent as the home teacher, based on trust as well as clear and free communication. The parent’s role is to attend all the student’s lessons, as well as group classes and other Suzuki events with their child. The parent is strongly encouraged to take notes and supervise the student’s daily practice, checking that the student follows the teacher’s instructions given during the lessons. The parent does not need to be a trained musician to be an effective home teacher, but the parent is in a better position to help their child practise if they can play the first few pieces before their child learns them.

The parent needs to create a supportive environment in which the student can grow as a musician and as a person. The Suzuki approach emphasises the development of a beautiful heart and sensitivity towards others. A supportive environment means encouraging the student, refraining from criticism and scolding, and praising the student for specific efforts rather than giving general praise to the student as a person.

 

Environment and Community

 

Children learn by imitating others and are moulded by the environment they are exposed to. Before starting lessons a young student observes other students’ lessons first for a few weeks. The Suzuki approach includes immersing a student into a community of musicians in which they can be inspired by those who are older or more advanced. Suzuki students learn the same core repertoire of pieces, so they can play together at such events. It is also recommended that parents take their children to live music performances.

 

How are Suzuki piano lessons different from traditional piano lessons?

 

  • There are seven Suzuki piano books / volumes, increasing in difficulty. After learning all of Book 1 the student has the opportunity to perform these pieces to an audience. After learning each subsequent book a student can submit a recording of specified pieces for graduation.
  • Suzuki teachers receive specialist training to teach skills and pieces step-by-step. Suzuki students experience success from the outset and develop confidence as they master each step. Students learn to play all pieces from memory. This approach is accessible to students of all ages.
  • Piano students learn to read music after they have learnt to play all the Suzuki Book 1 pieces. Delaying reading enables students to learn to play by ear and means that it is easier to learn to play with both hands and easier to learn to read. The traditional approach involves reading from the outset, while also learning to coordinate the hands and fingers, which most students find challenging. The Suzuki approach does not include a specific method for teaching reading. My students read music with ease and confidence because I use a unique reading method.
  • A large part of each lesson is spent on pieces the student has learnt before to help the student remember these pieces and to refine skills. During each week students are expected to practice all the pieces they have learnt.
  • Usually Suzuki lessons involve two pianos. The teacher spends most of the lesson demonstrating skills for the student to copy and spends a big part of the lesson playing pieces with the student. The student receives instant feedback about their playing without the teacher needing to use many words. By listening and following the teacher the student also learns to play fluently at a consistent speed (tempo) and with nuanced musical expression. The traditional approach usually involves only one piano with the teacher giving mostly verbal feedback.
  • The Suzuki approach fosters a culture of cooperation and community. Students are encouraged to observe each other’s lessons. Sometimes  lessons overlap to allow students to play pieces together. Students are also expected to attend group lessons during which they learn listening and writing skills and develop their ability to play together and in front of an audience. Piano group lessons are usually scheduled on Sunday afternoons.
  • Suzuki piano students are part of an international community, all learning the same pieces. Students whose families are paid members of the NZSI can attend workshops, masterclasses, camps and other Suzuki events around New Zealand or overseas.

 

What are the costs involved?

 

  • Usually young students start with a 20-minute lesson per week, which is later extended to 30-minutes or longer. Students are also expected to attend group lessons, usually 8 per year. Fees need to be paid in advance at the start of each term. The cost depends on the number and length of lessons and the location. Before starting lessons a student needs to observe other students’ lessons for a few weeks at no charge.
  • Each student needs daily access to an acoustic piano in good order (with all its keys working). Pianos are available in the Waikato from Kevin’s Pianos or Shearer’s Music Works or New Zealand Rockshop. It’s recommended to visit their premises, because most of their pianos are not listed on their websites. Do ask about their hire-to-buy options and payment plans. If buying a second-hand piano from a private individual, please check that all the keys work and that the piano is not too old to be tuned. Before buying it, try it first to check that you like its sound.
  • It’s important that the piano is kept in tune. A piano usually needs to be tuned every year or two, costing about $160–200 each time.
  • The student needs to have their feet flat on the floor or on a stable surface, with their knees at about 90 degrees. An adjustable footstool is best and available from a local carpenter for about $100.