Teaching Methods
I use a personalized, hybrid approach that combines traditional and Suzuki methods. I use many Suzuki principles especially those related to learning in small steps, listening and reviewing, and playing real music repertoire. I use the Faber Piano Adventures series to develop reading skills and also draw from a variety of other sources for technical and artistic training.
To see the Suzuki Association’s introduction to their method, click here.
What is the Suzuki Method?
Developed by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki in the 1940s, the Suzuki method is based on the idea that children can learn music in the same way they learn their native language. Musical literacy is developed by listening, imitation, repetition, and reading in a supportive environment.
What helps Suzuki work?
- Listening— A musical foundation is built through ongoing listening to the music that will be studied.
- Real music repertoire— An emphasis on real songs, not exercises or note patterns, allows skills to develop authentically.
- Review— Repertoire is reviewed extensively, allowing for ongoing learning and continuing feelings of success and accomplishment.
- Memorization— Playing from memory allows students to listen to themselves and think while they play without the initial barrier of printed music.
- Reading— Theory and reading skills are taught from the first lesson so that when printed music is introduced later there is a solid foundation to support understanding.
Who is involved in a lesson?
- An attentive, involved parent
- A creative, trained teacher
- A willing, engaged student
All three work together, one small step at a time, in the context of a positive learning environment.
What will my child enjoy?
- Ongoing success in achievable steps
- Real songs from the very beginning
- Games and hands-on activities
- Fun and relaxed lesson environment
- Instruction tailored to his/her abilities
- Ability to perform comfortably for family and friends
Why does learning music matter?
Developing music performance skills through lessons can…
- cultivate a deeper bond between parent and child.
- provide a deep and lasting musical education.
- nurture self-esteem through the experience of true success.
- develop lifelong character traits like perseverance and respect.