Jenna Michael

Below is a brief overview of the Suzuki method. For a more detailed description, please check out the Suzuki Association of the Americas’ website.

Dr. Suzuki

Japanese violinist and philosopher Shinichi Suzuki recognized that every healthy child learns to speak their native language with ease, and sought to apply this idea to learning the violin. He believed that immersing a child in music would help them learn to play the violin with a beautiful tone and with ease. Children learn to speak by hearing words spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is the keystone to learning to play the violin repertoire in the Suzuki Method.

“Beautiful Tone, Beautiful Heart.”

Being deeply affected by the events of World War II, Shinichi Suzuki was moved to share the gift of music with children to produce fine members of society who had sensitive hearts. Dr. Suzuki believed that musicianship was not an innate ability, but rather a skill that each child could develop if given the proper tools.

Parent Involvement

The Suzuki Triangle puts responsibility on the student, teacher, and the parent working together as a team on a child’s musical education. Just as the parent helps the child learn to speak, so too should the parent help the child to learn the violin. Parents of my studio are expected to attend lessons throughout Book 1 and part of Book 2 so they can take notes and act as the child’s “home teacher” during the week. Parents and teachers work together towards this goal of musical education and creating an enjoyable learning environment for the child.