What is Suzuki Piano

88 Keys offers Suzuki method piano instruction for children ages 4 and older.

Children trained in the Suzuki method learn to play the same way they learn to speak, by hearing a sound and then reproducing it. This is what Suzuki calls the mother-tongue method. The pupils imitate not only their teachers but also their peers, and find confidence in the common enterprise. Parents are essential to the success of the training and are involved directly as home teachers. Parental participation is inversely proportional to the age of the child - the younger the child, the greater the parental involvement.

Throughout the Suzuki growing process, the student thrives in an atmosphere of continual support and understanding. Every aspect of the Suzuki program is dedicated to the child: from repertoire, lesson length and seating at the instrument to the positive pedagogic approach. Parents participate actively, attending lessons and practicing with their child at home.

There are regular private lessons and periodic group lesson. Between the ages of 4 and 6, children and one of their parents begin formal studio lessons. These weekly piano lessons group the student and participating parent with similar aged children and their parents. Group lessons allow students to have fun with their peers while they explore music theory, posture development, performance practice, tone study, ensemble playing, etc. Public recitals are held during both the Fall and Winter terms. As well, informal get-togethers provide frequent performance opportunities.

All Kids Have Talent

Developed in the 1940s in Japan, the Suzuki Method is based on the premise that children are born with remarkable ability which can be developed in a nurturing environment.  Dr. Shinichi Suzuki noted that children learn to speak their native language at home, in family-centered environment of positive reinforcement, and by applying the same natural learning environment to other areas of child development, music skills can be developed just as successfully.  Suzuki students learn to make music using the “mother tongue” approach – just as they learn to speak – by listening and imitating.

Cornerstone of the Suzuki Approach

Parent Involvement:

Parents attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. They also work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Early Beginning:

Ideally, training begins in the pre-school years, but it is never too late to begin.

Listening:

Daily playing of a reference recording of the Suzuki repertoire provides the environment for learning by ear.

Repetition:

Repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument, to train muscles and memory. In the Suzuki approach, it is also used to maintain a performance repertoire.

Refinement:

New skills are added to previously learned pieces to refine tone development and musicianship.

Positive environment:

Specific praise for effort and accomplishment create a nurturing learning environment.

Graded Repertoire:

Technical and music skills are developed in the context of the music.

Group experiences:

In addition to private lessons, students participate in regular group lessons and performances.

At First by Ear:

Children learn to speak and later learn to read.  Following this example, children develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music.

What's Next

• Read about the Suzuki method on our website - minimum research prior to proceeding
• Book a Suzuki Workshop
• Make an appointment for observation; individual and group lessons (3 or 4 times recommended)
• Ask more questions
• Appointment with Director

*Priority will be given to parents who are seriously committed and whose
children are ready (based on observation), are highly motivated and possess
a strong interest in Suzuki method philosophy and pedagogy.

Photo of Suzuki Piano

Events Calendar

June
Jun 12	Year-end recital for Suzuki Piano and Little Mozarts