Unlock the Magic of Music with Shinichi Suzuki's Method
How Shinichi Suzuki Changed Music Teaching
Shinichi Suzuki's innovative method has revolutionized the way music is taught to children. His emphasis on starting early and using a mother tongue approach has proven to be highly effective. As a result, countless children around the world have been able to develop their musical skills and discover the joy of making music. For example, through consistent practice and exposure to good music from an early age, children like those in Suzuki's programs have been able to achieve remarkable levels of proficiency. This approach not only focuses on technical skills but also nurtures a love for music that lasts a lifetime.Thanks to Suzuki's method, I myself have learned valuable lessons about life and beauty. The discipline and perseverance required in learning music have translated into other aspects of my life, helping me to face challenges with greater confidence and determination.
Making Music a Part of Life
From the very beginning of participating in the Suzuki method, its mother tongue approach made perfect sense. Just like how we acquire language naturally through exposure and repetition, learning music follows a similar path. My mother had unknowingly used this method by singing to us at bedtime and playing music around the house. After having children, I continued this tradition by playing good music at home and in the car. Adding Suzuki recordings to our playlists enhanced this musical environment.For example, during family prayers or while doing household chores, the presence of music created a warm and harmonious atmosphere. It became a natural part of our daily lives, enriching our experiences and fostering a love for music that grew stronger with time.
Quitting and Beginning Again
After a couple of years of intense music learning, we reached a point of exhaustion. The challenges of daily practice and the pressure to perform took a toll. However, when the pandemic hit and we had to quit, music remained deeply ingrained in our lives. My daughter's spontaneous act of playing a Handel melody on the radio after months of being away from her violin served as a sign that music was an essential part of her being.When we resumed the lessons, I became a wiser parent. I realized that improvement would come slowly through consistent practice. Suzuki kids are not born with innate genius; they work hard and persevere. Talent, as Suzuki insisted, emerges with diligence and the right conditions. By focusing on the wider purpose of music education rather than expecting spectacular achievements, we were able to approach music with a more relaxed and enjoyable attitude.
Participating in Beauty
We have persisted in our musical journey because we have come to understand the essence of Shinichi Suzuki's pedagogy. By mastering the correct techniques and allowing the music to resonate, we are able to participate in something truly beautiful. This ability to apprehend and create beauty has become one of the most precious fruits of our musical adventure.For instance, when a child holds the bow just right or curves their fingers over the string with precision, they are not only learning a musical skill but also connecting with a deeper sense of beauty. Suzuki emphasized that a child is not a 'thing' but a growing human being. The focus should be on nurturing their overall development rather than simply achieving musical milestones.
An Education that Ennobles the Soul
Some of Suzuki's protégés have gone on to become renowned artists, and listening to them perform at the local philharmonic is a truly inspiring experience. However, even ordinary Suzuki kids have the power to move us with their music. Witnessing a child examine a score, decipher rhythms, and practice shifting patterns with such dedication is a testament to the transformative power of music education.Music is not just an accomplishment; it is an education that enriches the soul. It helps to bring out the best in a person, fostering personality, sensibility, and ability. As Suzuki would say, it is a calling forth of one's inner qualities. Through music, we can elevate ourselves and connect with something greater than ourselves.