The Suzuki method: Developing the whole child
The Suzuki approach deals with much more than teaching a child how to play an instrument. It seeks to develop the whole child, to help unfold his natural potential to learn and become a good and happy person.
Participation in the Suzuki method requires a strong parental commitment, including attending every lesson, practicing with your son or daughter at home every day and making sure the Suzuki lesson audio CD is heard daily. Parents do not need to know how to read music.
Suzuki is a listening approach. Children are first taught how to play and, later, how to read music. It's the same philosophy as teaching children to speak their native tongue. In the end, both Suzuki and traditional students can become fine musicians.
The purpose of Suzuki training is not to produce great artists, but to help every child to find the joy that comes through music making. Through the Suzuki growing process, children thrive in a total environment of support; they develop confidence and self-esteem, determination to try difficult things, self-discipline and concentration, as well as a lasting enjoyment of music, and the sensitivity and skill for making music.
Cincinnati Music Academy offers Suzuki programs for both piano and violin students. For information about specific teachers, go to the piano or strings pages.
Click the following links for more information.