The Suzuki Violin Approach

Pedagogy

The Suzuki approach [www.suzukiassociation.org] of mastering one step at a time, daily parental involvement and daily listening to a core repertory begin a student’s relationship with the violin. Musical activities and games involving rhythm, pitch, note-reading and improvisation from the Dalcroze tradition [www.juilliard.edu] are quickly integrated into daily practice sessions. The Suzuki repertory is supplemented with fiddle tunes and a book/CD that teaches ensemble playing and note-reading at home in a very enjoyable manner [www.familystringmethod.com].

This combination of approaches makes it possible for students to incorporate etudes and non-Suzuki repertory by Suzuki Book 3 in order to develop as a classical violinist [stringpedagogy.com] as well as a fiddler of alternative styles capable of improvisation and playing by ear. It is also fun and rewarding for students.

Age and parental involvement

Students can begin from age 3 after parent/teacher consultation. However, students younger than 5 should have taken some kind of group music class that introduces students and parents to moving rhythmically to music, singing and improvising. Music Together® is the best program I have seen for showing parents how to make any activity musical. Excellent classes are offered at [www.merrymusicmakers.net].

Parents will need to practice daily with their children until at least age 8 when the child is more independent. If the parent/child dynamic is workable, a parent music coach is always a great help. Some children however prefer to be more independent. However, parents are always needed to remind students to practice daily.

Adult Students

Adult beginners are taught using the Family String Method [Familystringmethod.com] and fiddle tunes. Physical relaxation is stressed at every step in order to speed progress. Once a student can play a number of fiddle tunes and read music at a novice level, the student can decide whether to continue in a fiddling mode and/or a classical mode.

Adult students who already play violin are welcome to inquire about a custom-tailored program for their needs.


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