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Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.Ĭhildren learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. Graded Repertoire Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from and are motivated by each other. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.Īs with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.Ĭonstant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Listening to music should begin at birth formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.Ĭhildren learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.Īs when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The student listens to the recordings and works with their Suzuki viola teacher to develop their potential as a musician and as a person.More than fifty years ago, Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. Suzuki lessons are generally given in a private studio setting with additional group lessons.
THE HAPPY FARMER VIOLA SERIES
Each series of books for a particular instrument in the Suzuki Method is considered a Suzuki music school, such as the Suzuki Viola School. Students are taught using the "mother-tongue" approach. According to Shinichi Suzuki, a world-renowned violinist and teacher, the greatest joy an adult can know comes from developing a child's potential so he/she can express all that is harmonious and best in human beings. The Suzuki Method® of Talent Education is based on Shinichi Suzuki's view that every child is born with ability, and that people are the product of their environment. Teach viola with the popular Suzuki Viola School.
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