The basis of the Suzuki method is simple: “Every child can learn.” Talent is not inborn, but something that is nurtured through environment and practice.

First it starts with the Mother Tongue Method.  This simply means to learn violin like you would learn a language.  When a small child is trying to say it’s first word, he/she has to listen to the word many, many times before speaking is a possibility.  The violin works the same way and students will listen to the songs many times before they learn to play.

Because we are learning violin as a language, we learn to “speak” first, then read.  Note reading is done separate from the music making during the beginning stages, and added in as the playing becomes more natural and easy.

Secondly, parent participation is key.  Parents are the teachers at home, and will help the student structure their practice.  Parents often learn the violin along with the student in the beginning so they can get a feel for how the violin is played.  Ideally the parent and student will become a learning team at home, helping each other enjoy music.The best way to learn more about the Suzuki method is to look at some of the resources on the Suzuki Association of the Americas website.