Christie Music Studio
String Pedagogy and the Suzuki Method
String Pedagogy
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Every mind assimilates music in a unique way. As an instructor, one of my primary objectives is to tailor methods to the student's individual gifts.
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In addition to the Suzuki method summary, I would like to add the following as having integral importance:
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1. Careful treatment of "technique," or the precise physical skills required to play the violin or viola, should not be undervalued! So many struggles can be avoided by patient attention to technique from the beginning of the learning process.
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2. While learning to play by ear, young children can learn to identify symbols, patterns, and terms in printed music before they learn to read it. This greatly expedites the music reading process later!
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3. Sight reading and music theory relevant to the student's pieces are ideally applied in lessons rather than in a separate class. This more effectively prepares students for participation in orchestras and other applications.
Suzuki Teaching Philosophy
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In the Suzuki method, musical education begins ideally when a student is very young.
Music watching and listening expedites a student’s sensitivity to music and their ability to memorize. Learning by ear comes before learning to read music, just as children learn to speak their mother tongue before learning to read the printed word.
Parental involvement is central to the learning process. The “practice partner” is present at lessons and is the student’s support and guide at home.
Violin and viola playing is a physical skill accomplished by training muscles, similar to the way athletes train themselves. Each student progresses at their own pace.
Progress through the Suzuki repertoire is twofold: learning new music while maintaining previously mastered pieces.
The Suzuki method incorporates both private and group study, allowing the student to focus on their own learning needs while also participating in an ensemble. The inclusion of group learning fosters camaraderie and teamwork rather than competition.
The Suzuki method is founded on the principle that learning an instrument is meant to help the student mature not only musically but also holistically—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.