The Suzuki Method of Musical Education

Gradual Steps
Listening and Practice The Suzuki Method of musical instruction follows a child's natural process of learning. Dr. Suzuki studied the way very small children learn their native language and patterned his music instruction after this system of learning. By breaking each skill into its smallest component parts, and having students practice each component consistently, Dr. Suzuki discovered that any child, regardless of aptitude, could learn to play a musical instrument as easily and naturally as learning to walk or talk.


Learning By Doing
An important element of the Suzuki Method is the attention paid to sensory development. Just as children learn to talk by imitating sounds that they have heard, and walk by imitating motions that they have seen, Suzuki students learn to imitate the way their role models, teachers and parents physically manipulate the musical instrument in a constant effort to reproduce the music that they hear. If you have ever heard a Suzuki student perform, you know how successful this method is with even the smallest children.


Musical "Reading Readiness"
So, when do Suzuki students learn to read sheet music? When they are reading ready. The same guidelines that classroom teachers apply in determining when to teach a child to read the written word are used in the Suzuki Method to determine when to teach a child to read sheet music. This means that a great deal of time is spent on "musical reading readiness" activities. All of the activities that develop ear training, musical comprehension and composition skills are taught in the Solfege class.


Shared Experiences
Group lessons are another element of the Suzuki method. In group classes, students have an opportunity for social interaction with other young musicians. Students are placed in groups according to their playing level. The classes offer an opportunity for the students to work on performance techniques in a familiar environment built on trust. The confidence they gain here serves them well in performances that are more public.


The Learning Triangle
Private lessons are where the "learning triangle" of the Suzuki Method is formed. Student, teacher, and parent work together to help the student advance. The teacher provides the examples and the lessons; the parent then must play the part of home teacher, ensuring that the child practices the components of the lesson each day. While this may seem an intimidating task at first, you do not need to be a musician to be successful in this role. You will also find that if you stick to your practice schedule, you will be getting that "quality time" you have been trying to set aside for your child.


Positive Reinforcement = Success To be worthwhile
Music study must build logically and systematically on fundamental skills. To be successful, music study must take place in a loving, supportive and positive environment. In fact, positive reinforcement is a necessary element in teaching very young children any complicated skill. While teaching our children to walk and talk we never scold them for taking a misstep, or misspeaking themselves. We gently correct them through demonstration, and follow their subsequent effort, no matter how humble, with praise and delight. In so doing we motivate our children and provide a trusting, safe environment for them to attempt the next challenge that life sends their way. The Suzuki Method adheres to this philosophy and, if applied to your child's musical training, will enrich the lives of your entire family.

Individual Inustrument Instruction in
Recorder • Flute • Piano • Guitar • Violin • Viola • Cello • Harp
SSN's core curriculum consists of a weekly individual lesson, group class and a solfege class. The average student entering the core program is five years old.

Individual Lessons
There are 16 lessons per semester of 30, 45, or 60 minutes in length. The length of the lesson is determined by the teacher and is based on the child's age, attention span, and skill level. Parents are present for the private lesson and take notes to use while supervising the daily practice sessions. Certain lessons may be used as a "parent lesson." For example, a parent may learn a specific instrumental technique including position, intonation, tuning, or emphasis may be placed on specific instructional techniques such as practice strategies. At some times, the lesson is used as a parent/teacher conference of the progress made during the year or preparation for summer practice.


Group Classes
There are 15 group classes per semester, which include Play-Ins and Group Recitals. Students are placed according to their playing level, and not necessarily according to age. The class is an opportunity to experience the social aspects of music, learn from peers, polish pieces for performance and to review the repertoire. All instrument group classes meet weekly.


Music Lab (Solfege)
As part of the SSN program, all students are enrolled in solfege/musicianship classes. These classes are more than "music theory." We stress a balanced approach in which a student's theoretical understanding of music advances together with his or her ability to hear, interpret, and create music in a more informed way. An essential element to understanding the performance and reading of music, the classes include ear training, musical comprehension, composition, and sight-reading.

One of the unique aspects of SSN's program is its foundation in solfege, a system in sightsinging using syllables (do, re, mi, fa, etc.). Solfege has been the basis for European musical pedagogy since the early 11th century. It is remarkably sophisticated method that ultimately allows a musician to read music notation without depending on an instrument and allows better understanding and internalization of music. At every level of our program, solfege is combined with ear-training, theoretical studies, and composition. For a young instrumentalist, the practical benefits are many: sight-reading accuracy, improved sense of intonation, rhythmic confidence, expressive freedom, and experience performing musical works beyond the repertoire of his or her instrument. Because of this consistent and balanced approach to musicianship, most graduates of our program are ready to be placed into advanced theory classes at conservatory preparatory schools.


Parent Discussions
Throughout the year, parents meet with faculty to discuss elements of the Suzuki philosophy and issues for successful home practice. This provides an opportunity not only for an exchange of information, but also is a place for questions regarding your child's development and concerns you may have. Furthermore, the director is available for discussing any aspect of your child's education at SSN. This goes beyond the initial parent classes required for parents of new students entering the program.


Advanced Program
The advanced program consists of a 45 or 60 minute individual lesson and a 45 minute chamber ensemble coaching each week.

Additional Course Offerings

Music Lab Prep Classes
Available for those interested in pursuing the groundwork for instrumental instruction but are not quite ready for the core curriculum. Pre-reading, visual symbols and rudimentary notation are presented progressively in a fun atmosphere. Fifteen 30-minute classes.


Early Beginners Classes
Designed for those children ages 4 to 5 who demonstrate instrument readiness skills. Children are admitted to these classes by interview with the individual instrument teacher. The class is limited to three students. There are 16 45 min (for 2 students) or 60 min (for 3 students) group lessons which provide basic understanding of the chosen instrument as well as solfege training. In order to assess each student's progress, the class will be divided periodically so that each student receives a private 15-20 minute lesson which will focus more attention on the instrument. The following year, most children will enter the core curriculum.


Chamber Music
Available to students who have completed Book 3. SSN encourages students of all levels to play in mixed instrument groups. Please ask about groups for different levels.


Orchestra
Available for students in book 3 and up. This class will focus on playing in tune and developing skills in ensemble playing. Meets weekly. Students perform at semester's end.


Parent Classes
Suzuki Philosophy and Violin/Piano Playing is a course for new and continuing parents designed to help develop the parent role. Parents find these classes full of helpful tips for assisting their children in the learning process.


Workshops and Master Classes
Periodically, nationally renowned Suzuki instructors are invited to the school to give workshops and focused master classes for teachers and students. Students and teachers receive exposure to different teaching methods.


Teacher Training courses
These courses attract new and experienced Suzuki teachers from around the region. Carol Sykes, Suzuki Violin Teacher Trainer, delivers this valuable training to teachers. Piano Teacher Training is available through a partnership with M. Steinert and Sons in Boston.


Suzuki Prep Class (for ages 2-4)
SSN is pleased to announce its new introductory course, Suzuki Prep Class. We invite you to take part in this fun way to share time with your child: sing, move to music, do pre-instrumental Suzuki activites, and hear live instrument demonstrations from the SSN faculty. What a great way to have quality time together, learn what Suzuki music lessons are all about and find out why the Suzuki philosophy works!

Enrichment Opportunities

Regional and National Suzuki Organizations
While membership in these organizations is not required, these organizations offer many benefits such as newsletters and special events. Each summer Suzuki camps and workshop are offered on both the regional and nationa level. These programs are typically one to three weeks in length and offer an opportunity for in-depth study with nationally renowned Suzuki faculty. Our parents frequently say that after attending one of these events, they find a renewed vigor in their children for continued study.


Public Concerts
The school is often invited to play for the community, for example at Newton's Fall Harvest Fair, at the Prudential Center, Chestnut Hill Mall December holiday celebrations and other public events. Students sign up to perform. Periodically, a tour group is established for performances out-of-state, for example, at the Disneyland Pavilion in Florida.


Community Outreach Performance Program
Students may gain experience performing and sharing their joy of music with less ambulant communities of Greater Boston. This program is supported, in part, by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the Newton Cultural Council.


Program Exchange
Opportunities to play and visit with other Suzuki programs are available for interested students. Recent exchanges have included Miami, Cape Cod and Montreal.