The Suzuki Method for teaching music was founded by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and music educator. He was born in 1898 and began to teach himself the violin when he was in his late teens. Suzuki decided to move to Germany to dedicate himself to studying the instrument. In Germany, Suzuki befriended intellectuals like Albert Einstein who would help shape the music education method he would later develop.
In Germany, Suzuki struggled to learn the local language. His difficulties led him to think about how people learn languages. He noted that children do not have difficulties learning their native tongue. Children are also able to quickly pick up on foreign languages as well. Suzuki theorized that the process of learning a language is very similar to learning music. If a child was taught music in the same way as he is taught language, then all children could become proficient in music.
Back in Japan, Suzuki developed the philosophy which would later become the Suzuki Method used by music educators worldwide. The essential belief of the Suzuki Method is that a loving, positive environment is crucial for learning music. Other beliefs of the Suzuki Method include:
- That music should be incorporated into many aspects of daily life and children should be exposed to music from a very early age
- Children should not be tested for “music aptitude” as a prerequisite for learning music.
- Music education should begin early in life
- The training of the music educator is very important; educators should be competent in playing music though a formal music education is not necessarily important
- Students should primarily learn music by ear, just as children first learn language by hearing and not reading
- Students should play as a group as much as possible
- Students should regularly review all of the pieces of music that they have learned
- Students should perform music frequently so that it is not stressful
The goal of music education under the Suzuki Method was not to produce master musicians or prodigies. Rather, Suzuki emphasized what he called “Talent Education”. In English, the term “Talent Education” loses some of its meaning. In the original Japanese, the word “saino” was used, which means development of both talent and ability. The talent/ability can be in a skill or in one’s character. Thus, Suzuki was saying that children can develop their characters as they learn musical skills and knowledge.
Teaching with Suzuki Method
Teaching music with the Suzuki Method mimics the process in which children learn language. The students must be in a positive environment where they are encouraged to learn. Learning language occurs through:
- Listening
- Encouragement
- Repetition
- Progressive steps
- Memorization
- Building vocabulary
- Family participation
- Love
When learning music, the students must frequently and regularly listen to music. The earlier the student is exposed to music, the better. Some advocates of the Suzuki Method even recommend playing music for the fetus in the womb. Encouragement means a positive reinforcement of music lessons, not discipline or forcing children to learn. The encouragement must come from the teacher and the parents. Families are encouraged to participate in the learning process, such as parents attending the lessons.
One of the unique aspects of the Suzuki Method was designing a progressive repertoire for learning music. As students learn music, they should regularly review all of the music that they have learned in order to understand technique and style. As the student progresses, music reading is incorporated into the education.
The Suzuki Method has received some criticism because of its focus on learning by ear and also for playing in groups. Critics say that Suzuki Method students don’t learn to read music nor learn individual play. However, today’s Suzuki Method educators also incorporate other methods of teaching music to students so the students get a well-rounded musical education while still in a loving, encouraging environment.