THE SUZUKI METHOD

The Suzuki Method is comprised of three unique and equally important components: the Mother Tongue Method, the Suzuki Triangle, and the Repertoire.

The Mother Tongue Method refers to the idea that every child learns to speak his native language, no matter the distinct accent or dialect, because he hears it from birth. He is surrounded by it. Because of this, ability has been developed within him that is manifest when he speaks. Suzuki said that “man is the son of his environment” and this perfectly describes the Mother Tongue method. There are several steps that need to be taken to create an atmosphere where this ability is best developed.

1.Listening to recordings.

2.Creating a positive learning environment

3.Accurate Repetition = Accumulation;

Suzuki said “ease comes with training. We simply have to train and educate our ability, that is to say, do the thing over and over again until it feels natural, simple, and easy. That is the secret.”

4.Maintaining an attitude that every child can.

“Barring major brain damage or a rare major physical handicap, every child can learn to speak. And—what is more interesting for our purposes in looking at the mother tongue method of education—everyone in every child’s life has complete faith that he or she will learn to speak. All of us seem to accept that such a miracle, such a wonder, such a marvel of achievement will, in fact, happen” (Every Child Can, Suzuki Association of the Americas, A5).

 

The Suzuki Triangle is made up of three equal sides representing the parent, student, and teacher working together. For the Triangle to function properly, each member needs to know their role and, especially for the parent, needs to identify his expectations. Parents need to be educated about what they can expect: not only what their child will be learning, but also how difficult playing an instrument is.

The Suzuki Repertoire is a cumulative program. It is laid out so that you take what you know and then you build on it.

“One ability is created first, then a new ability is built on it, and then another new one is put on top of the other, and so on one after another. One ability which is sufficiently developed breeds another greater ability, and so on, one ability after another. Thus abilities are greatly expanded and become more powerful and functional…”(Nurtured By Love, Suzuki).

 

Review is a vital tool in taking existing abilities and using them to develop greater abilities.

“Knowledge is not ability…children acquire ability while repeating what they have already learned.”