Suzuki Method & some other stuff...Anne mainly focuses on Suzuki violin method repertoire during lessons but also likes to work on technique exercises, fiddle and folk songs, sight reading, and various other pieces with students.
What is the Suzuki Method?The Suzuki Method (or the "Mother-Tongue" method) focuses on technique and song mastery and the importance of listening to and replicating quality recorded musical performances. Music reading is delayed a bit for beginners so that they can establish a balanced, comfortable violin set up and start playing beautiful music right away.
This method was created by Shin'ichi Suzuki (1898 - 1998) after he came to the conclusion that children can easily learn music (a universal language) the way they learn their native languages - through listening, immersion, and repetition. "Talent" is cultivated through hard work - daily practicing and listening and regular private and group lessons. Every child and adult is capable of creating beautiful music - it just requires a bit of dedication in the form of daily practicing and listening. |
Lesson Environment
Parents of children ages 5 through 14 are expected to attend lessons and quietly take notes so that they can be the home-teacher/practice-cheerleader during home practice sessions. It's the teacher's job to give clear directions on what students (and parents) should be practicing during the week.
Home Practice Environment
Students are expected to practice and listen to their Suzuki recordings at least five days every week in between private lessons. This enables them to progress faster and to get the most out of lessons. Every little musical and technical breakthrough that your child achieves should be celebrated! Studying an instrument is hard work, but it is so rewarding! It's easy to only focus on weaknesses in your child's playing; try to not fall into this trap! Encourage them in areas where they're working and growing while gently reminding them to work on their technique exercises and hard spots in songs.