Each student takes small “steps” and learns at their own pace. Just as all students learn to speak the language or “mother tongue” of their parents, they have the ability to learn how to play music by hearing and imitating the sounds. Daily listening to a recording of the song they are learning and review of earlier pieces ensures quick progress.

 

Learning to play by ear, rather than reading music, allows the focus of the teacher’s and student’s attention to be on the development of good posture, beautiful tone, playing in tune, and listening skills.

 

Reading music is a separate skill learned by Suzuki students and will be introduced when the teacher determines the student’s readiness.

 

As students progress, they also attend regular group lessons to learn how to play in unison with other students at their level. Readiness is determined by the teacher; most students do not typically begin until about a year after starting private lessons.

 

The objective of the Suzuki Method is not to create professional musicians, but to encourage a supportive and happy environment for a child’s music studies. Dr. Suzuki wanted, through music, to “help children develop beautiful hearts.