Suzuki, << suh ZOO kee, >> method is a way of teaching children how to play certain musical instruments at a very early age. It is most widely used with the violin but is also applied to such instruments as the cello, flute, and piano. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist, developed the method in the 1940’s.
The Suzuki method is based on an educational philosophy known as Talent Education. According to this philosophy, most children are born with the potential to play a musical instrument, just as they are born with the potential to learn language. Youngsters learn to speak by imitating the speech of their parents and others, and they acquire a large vocabulary before they begin to learn to read. Similarly, Suzuki students listen to recorded music while learning to play the music on their instruments.
The Suzuki teacher instructs the students individually and in groups. Parents play an important role by attending lessons with their child and supervising practice sessions at home. They work with the teacher to create an atmosphere that encourages the child to enjoy music.
