Basic Principles of the Suzuki Method Include:
Parental Involvement
Parents are vital to the Suzuki approach. Either the mother or father attends lessons and works closely with the student at home with daily practicing. Parents with no prior musical experience can make excellent home teachers, and benefit by learning music along with their child.
Learning by Ear
Just as we teach children to read only after they learn to speak, music reading is postponed until the child’s aural and instrumental skills are established. Children learn through the “mother tongue” approach of imitation and repetition.
Learning in Small Steps
Learning in small steps is important so the child can master the material with a total sense of success, thereby building his or her confidence and enthusiasm.
Developing the Whole Child
The Suzuki approach seeks to develop the whole child, to help unfold his or her natural potential to learn, and to find the joy that comes through music making. Through the Suzuki process, children develop self-confidence and self-esteem, determination to try difficult things, self-discipline and concentration, and the sensitivity and creativity for making music.