Suzuki Piano

The Suzuki method is based on the idea that musical ability can be nurtured in the same way a person learns their native language, through a supportive and immersive environment.

Here’s how the Suzuki piano method works:

Parental/Caregiver Involvement: The “Suzuki Triangle” refers to the dynamic relationship between the child, the caregiver, and the teacher.  Caregivers play a crucial role in the Suzuki method; they attend lessons with their child, take notes, and help their child practice at home.  This close collaboration ensures that the child receives consistent guidance and support both during lessons and at home. *Language Connection: The loving and reliable relationship a child has with a caregiver provides a learning environment for children to feel safe enough to take risks, make mistakes, and join in the fun!  Just as with language, a caregiver is a child’s first teacher. 

Listening: Listening to recordings of working pieces (and future working pieces!) is a central component to at-home practice.  Children and caregivers set aside time for listening each day, which helps develop an understanding of the music’s phrasing, dynamics, and overall musicality.  *Language Connection: Consider how much a baby listens to speech and is immersed in social interaction before they speak.  Expect your child to sing along and add movement while they listen as a baby would babble and experiment with sounds when learning to speak. 

Repetition: We know that learning basic, foundational skills is a slow, repetitive process, which allows children to build a strong foundation in technique and musicality.  It takes time, and developing patience in both the child and the caregiver is important; but we trust the process to produce easily accessible and (mostly!) automated technical skills in the long run.  *Language Connection: Think of how many times a small child asks to read the same book over and over again or how many times we say “banana” or “potty” to our children before they can first understand it and then say it back. 

“Knowledge is not skill.  Knowledge plus ten thousand times is skill.” 

~Dr. Shinichi Suzuki

Group Lessons: Weekly group lessons involve multiple children (about 4-5) of a similar skill level learning together.  Group lessons offer several benefits, including opportunities for ensemble playing, musical games, performance practice, and a sense of camaraderie.  Group lessons take the place of one practice time a week.  *Language Connection: Learning along with peers is a fun and interactive way to engage with the content.  

Music Literacy: A common myth about the Suzuki method is the belief that children only learn music by ear and never learn how to read notation.  This is completely false.  Children taking lessons in the Suzuki method WILL learn to read music starting from the first day of lessons.  The approach, however, is different from a traditional method in that the ability to read music does not hinder the ability to play the instrument.  Music literacy is taken at a developmentally-appropriate pace AND so is the ability to play the instrument.  *Language Connection: How much time does it take before a child who thinks and communicates in their native language can read and write it?