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THE FAIRMOUNT CENTER SUZUKI PROGRAM
Jenn Burns, Director

Suzuki Instructors:- Jenn Burns, Director - with Tara Klein, Gabrielle Gabriele Fuldauer and Rachel Shultz

Who or what is a Suzuki?
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist who developed a method for learning violin that is now known as the “Suzuki Method” or “talent education”.  Suzuki grew up in Japan, playing in his father’s violin shop, but wasn’t tempted to learn how to play until he heard a performance of the well known violinist, Mischa Elman, at the age of 17.  As his love for music and the violin was growing, Suzuki was starting to notice that all children learn their native language with ease and without failure.  Suzuki made it his mission to figure out how to combine this mother tongue method with learning how to play the violin, and did so with huge success.  He developed a sequential approach to learning the violin with repertoire to reinforce this sequence and made it into a method he called “talent education”.  Suzuki believes that just like in language, all children can learn to a high level if given a nurturing environment.

What’s different about the Suzuki method from other approaches?
All methods of learning an instrument have the same goal: to teach children how to play their instrument to the best of their ability in a supportive environment.  The differences in the Suzuki method include parent involvement, listening, repertoire, and group classes.

*Parents play a crucial role in their son/daughter’s development.  It is important, in the Suzuki method, for parents, teachers, and students to work together to create a good environment for the student and to ensure that respect and communication is developed between all involved. 

*Following the mother tongue method, listening becomes a vital part of the student’s development and learning.  Just like when a child is learning to say “Mama” for the first time, numerous repetitions are needed over a long period of time for the word to become a part of the child’s vocabulary.  It is then repeated thousands of times by the child before becoming second nature.  Suzuki students listen to CD’s daily to help develop their ears and teach them the repertoire. 

*Suzuki developed a set repertoire that he planned out to support a logical sequence of techniques needed to develop one’s skills on the violin.  Through this repertoire, students build on what they know, learn a lot of music that they can play on a moments notice, and end up with hours of music that they can play with friends and other musicians.

*Students using the Suzuki Method find that one of their favorite parts of playing the violin is group class.  Here they get to share their talents with their friends, learn how to play and get along together, and learn great ensemble skills.  They also have private lessons (30 minutes for beginners) every week, where the teacher has the chance to work one on one with the student and parent developing the student’s talent at his/her individual pace.

What should I expect as a parent?
*All parents have the opportunity to learn how to play the violin at a basic level so they can better assist their child in practicing. (No previous experience in music is necessary or required.)

*The parent who practices with the child should attend all lessons and group classes so that they can watch and take notes on the concepts being learned and how to execute them at home.

*Parents become the “home teacher” and practice everyday with their son/daughter.  Parents help their child practice in a way that reinforces the good habits they are learning in their lessons, help them reach small goals each day that have been established between the teacher and parent, and encourage a positive and patient attitude and playing environment.

* Parents should make sure that their son/daughter is listening to the Suzuki repertoire and other classical music everyday.  This can be done in the car, while playing, reading, dancing, singing, at anytime or anywhere.

Is my child ready?
Suzuki students usually start playing violin between the ages of 4-5, although listening can begin from the womb.  Older students are also encouraged to apply, as it is never too late.  Observation of 3 private lessons and 2 group classes is required before lessons can begin.  Lessons can start at any point throughout the year.  Suzuki believed and has proven that every child has the ability to succeed to a high level, given a nurturing environment.

 As a parent, am I ready?
While entering into a Suzuki program is a big time commitment and investment, the rewards and benefits are numerous.  Studies show that students who study music tend to have higher test scores, develop advanced skills for focus and determination, learn how to work well with others, develop valuable work habits, and learn to master goal setting and goal accomplishment.  They are also discovering an incredible outlet, finding what many times becomes a lifelong passion, regardless of what career path they choose, and communicate to people in ways that words cannot. 

Group Classes offered by the Fairmount Music School

Violin FUNdamentals
In this class, Pre-Twinkle students learn through activities and games that reinforce the basic concepts that are critical to those just starting and working their way towards mastering the Twinkles. 

Twinkle and Beyond
Students in this group are typically in early to mid-Book 1.  This group setting allows students to learn early ensemble and leading skills and review familiar repertoire.

Parent Classes
Parent classes will be held once a month (Dates: TBA) Topics will include: Suzuki’s philosophy, practice ideas, and parent question and answer sessions.

Suzuki Links
The Suzuki Method - A Definition

Suzuki Association

A Suzuki Philosophy Perspective