Manchester Community Music School
Suzuki
The Suzuki Method – ages 3 years to adult
The Suzuki Method of music education began in the middle of the 20th century by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki. Dr. Suzuki believed that the best and most effective way to learn music is to be exposed to it from a very early age. He calls this the “mother tongue” method—young children learn to play an instrument in the same way that they learn their own language: by listening, absorbing, and copying. The parent attends the lesson as an integral part of the learning process. In general, the age at which a child is taught to read music is the same as when he or she is learning to read books in his or her own language. Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy is one of “Talent Education”; he does not believe that only certain people are born with “a gift”, or “talent”, rather that each child has infinite potential. He believes that in teaching the child music, a medium for the emotional and spiritual growth of the child is being created.
Group Classes
Strings
Book 1 Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:30pm with Debbie Markow
Books 2 – 4 / String Preparatory Ensemble Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30pm with Debbie Markow
Piano
Books 1 -2 Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:30 with Terry Barton
Pre Twinklers Tuesdays 4:30 – 5:00pm with Liz Hodges
What Makes the Suzuki Method Special
The Suzuki approach begins a child’s music education at a young age, often 3 or 4 years old, and teaches music as a language would be learned. Time is spent listening to music to develop auditory skills and memory. The Suzuki approach utilizes repetition of skills to build confidence in young players.
The Suzuki lessons are paced to develop playing techniques in small, successful steps. The student attends a lesson with a parent, who is a vital and active participant in every lesson, and brings focus to home practice. A partnership between teacher, parent, and child strengthens the success of the child’s learning and offers a lifetime of rewards for the family.
Key Elements to the Suzuki approach are:
*Listening
*Repetition
*Small, Successful Steps
*Parent, Teacher, Student Triangle
Additional Opportunities Built Into the Suzuki Method
Suzuki Education encourages and fosters learning in community! Our instructors offer regular group classes for all their students to supplement their private lessons. Group class is an opportunity for students and parents to listen and observe each others’ teaching and learning, and build lasting friendships with peers who are working on the same skills. Shared recitals and community performances bring out the joy of accomplishment and give students the chance to make music together. Group classes, recitals and other performance opportunities are scheduled by each instructor throughout the academic year.
Suzuki Class Tuition: $15 per class for non-Music School Suzuki students
*Free for Manchester Community Music School private students.
Experience the Suzuki Method
If you'd like to observe a Suzuki lesson first hand, please contact our register at registrar@mcmusicschool.org.
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