Violin + Viola Lessons in Collegedale, Tennessee
Why Suzuki?
Developed by Japanese violinist and teacher Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki Method is an effective set of teaching values used all around the world to teach music to children. This method has its own unique outlook which emphasizes teaching with love and encouragement, parental involvement, and what is called the mother-tongue approach.
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Mother-Tongue Approach
Suzuki believed that any child who had learned to speak could also learn the language of music in a similar way. Children learn to speak by constantly hearing their language spoken all around them, help and encouragement from parents, and repetition. Learning the skill it takes to play a musical instrument can be taught similarly by creating an environment in which music is all around. Listening to music throughout the day and attending concerts and recitals regularly are two important ways to create this environment.
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Parental Involvement
The Suzuki Method places great value on the role of the parent in their child’s musical education. At home, parents become their child’s teacher during daily practice sessions. This makes it necessary for parents to be highly attentive during the lessons; this is especially important when the child is of a younger age. The parents should also be sure to use positive encouragement at home and cheer their child on in their musical journey. Being a Suzuki parent is a commitment– one which yields wonderful results for you and your child. There are two books that I recommend for new Suzuki parents. The first is Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki; this book describes in detail the philosophy of the Suzuki Method, the role parents play in their child’s violin journey, and how to create a nurturing, musical environment. The second is Teaching from the Balance Point by Ed Kreitman; this book goes into detail about the learning process and what at-home practice life should look like.
Playing by Ear + Reading
Suzuki students learn to play music by ear first, then learn to read music after the fundamentals of violin playing become second-nature. Learning to play by ear allows students to focus fully on their posture and tone, develop their musical ear, and boosts their aural skills. Students are ready to begin reading music when the basics - consistent posture and consistent tone - have been established. Learning both by ear and through reading broadens violin students' abilities and opportunities for music making.
Group Class
Group class is an invaluable part of the Suzuki method. Group classes not only further solidify skills that students are already working on in lessons, but they also provide an opportunity for students to work on ensemble skills that are only possible in a group setting. Group class also grows a community of young violinists and their families which sparks motivation for the students. They can practice performing skills as well and grow their confidence in playing with others and for others. EVS partners with Soundpoint Strings to provide group experience for EVS students. While joining SPS is not required, it is greatly encouraged.