Suzuki FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Suzuki Method

Q: What is the Suzuki Method?

A: The Suzuki Method is a philosophy of music teaching developed by Shinichi Suzuki which encourages children to begin exploring the world of classical music while cultivating their development not only as musicians but also as caring, thoughtful, and disciplined young people. The method is founded upon Suzuki’s idea that young children can cultivate musical abilities just as easily as they learn their native language.

Q: What makes the Suzuki Method different from traditional music study?

A:

• During Suzuki Method study, the parent or adult guardian plays an important role, not only as a source of support for the child, but also as the “home teacher.”

• Because of the active role of the adult guardian, children can begin Suzuki study at a younger age than in traditional studies. Children can begin Suzuki studies as young as two years of age, though most commonly beginners are between three to five years old.

• There is a large international Suzuki Method community, united by shared repertoire, group classes, workshops, and institutes.

Q: Why Suzuki?

A:

• The method is designed with children in mind: instruction involves games, singing, and physical movement, and can be adapted to each child’s individual needs.

• The Suzuki repertoire is carefully constructed to guide technical and musical progression, allowing students to build a strong musical foundation (many professional musicians are past Suzuki students, including yours truly!).

• Suzuki teachers provide a supportive learning environment and cultivate discipline, cooperation, compassion, pride in one’s ability to learn, and a love for music.

Q: What is the shared repertoire/what music will a Suzuki student play?

A: Suzuki students study ten volumes of sheet music (known as the “Suzuki Books”), which were thoughtfully compiled to help guide students’ technical and musical progression. However, this is certainly not the only music a Suzuki student will study: a Suzuki teacher will supplement the volumes with other sheet music and technical studies, tailored to the individual’s needs.

Q: Why does the Suzuki Method delay note reading?

A: A common misconception about the Suzuki Method is that students do not learn to read music. This is not true! Suzuki teachers delay teaching note reading at the beginning of musical study, in part because very young students may be too young to read, but primarily so that the emphasis of the study is upon internalizing music. As a result, Suzuki students develop a strong aural and physical connection to the music as well as the habit of memorizing and internalizing every piece they play. This allows them to cultivate an inner sense of musicality without the visual distractions of, or reliance upon, sheet music. Since music is an aural art, we place primary emphasis upon training the ear.

When the student is ready, we will begin note reading. I gradually introduce musical symbols early on in the beginning studies, even before my students learn note reading. Every student is different, but signs that a student is ready to begin reading music are their ability to read and write in their native language and strong internalization of the music they play.   

Q: If beginning students learn music by ear, does that mean they just learn by rote?

A: Suzuki students do begin learning music by repeating and memorizing, and any instrumental study relies upon repetition to develop a student’s muscle memory. However, being able to replicate what the teacher plays is only the first step! I encourage even my beginning students to develop creativity and musical expression through experimentation in phrasing, dynamics, creating stories, and associating musical events with feelings.

Q: What is the purpose of parent/guardian training?

A: Before a child begins lessons, the parent or guardian will first take lessons alone with the teacher for several weeks to learn the basics of the instrument. After the child begins lessons, the guardian will take on the role of “home teacher,” guiding the child’s daily practice; many guardians continue to play the instrument but this is optional. It is much easier for the guardian to help the child practice if they have experienced practicing on the instrument themselves. The teacher, guardian, and child form what is known as the “Suzuki Triangle.”

Q: What is the time investment?

A: Suzuki said, “practice only on days that you eat!” I encourage daily practice and listening, though the amount of practice will vary greatly among students based on the child’s attention span and maturity. For example, a new beginner may only practice a few minutes a day, whereas an advanced student will practice multiple hours each day.

During the lesson and group class, guardians are expected to attend and take notes for home practice. The teacher may request your active participation in the lesson/class as well.

Q: Why do Suzuki teachers use games?

A: A core part of the Suzuki Method philosophy is that children love to learn and play, and that they learn best when tasks are done joyfully. Therefore, Suzuki instruction is conducted in a happy, playful manner.  

Additional Suzuki resources:

• Suzuki Association of the Americas

• Nurtured By Love, by Shinichi Suzuki

• Ability Development From Age Zero, by Shinichi Suzuki