The Suzuki Flute Method and Your Child
What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method was developed by a Japanese man named Shinichi Suzuki.
Through his experience as a violinist and private teacher, he found that children
learned best through the mother-tongue method. In short, children do not learn
how to spell before they talk; nor do they talk in monotone drones before learning
inflections. Suzuki successfully applied this theory to his young violin students and
later taught this method to flutist Toshio Takahashi. Together they developed the
Suzuki method for flute.
The Suzuki method centers around three vital components: the student, the
teacher, and the parent. In order for your child to truly benefit from this method,
your supportive involvement is crucial.
What is the youngest age a child can begin lessons?
Typically, I can teach children as young as three (depending on the temperament of
the child and parents). The Suzuki method is a joint partnership between the
student, teacher, and the parents. It is a vital component in a child’s education that
he have the proper support network. In this ever increasing fast paced world, this
can be a challenge for many families but should not be overlooked. I encourage
parents to attend their child’s lessons and it is mandatory for young children that at
least one parent remain in the room during the lesson.
What is expected of me as a Suzuki parent?
Having a new musician in the family can be a wonderful experience for the entire
family. Parents are taught the basic mechanics of playing the flute in order to
assist the child in the beginning stages. You will need to take notes during
lessons. It is also helpful to play the Suzuki cds many times during the day so the
child knows the pieces just as well as his own name. Make sure that your child has
his own quiet place to practice, even if only for a short time. Just as a plant needs
water and sunlight to grow, so does your child need to the proper environment;
positive reinforcement is crucial!
For children as young as three, it is important to have realistic expectations. If
your child practices for 5 minutes and needs a break, that is ok as long as
practicing is strongly encouraged every day by the parent. If they do not want to
practice, then you should take out the headjoint and play yourself. Remember, at
such a young age, you are their hero (regardless if you think you play well or not:).
I have heard many times “If my child really wants to play the flute, I should not
have to remind her to practice or listen to the cd.” Although I have some students
who are 5 going on 20 and do not need Mom or Dad to tell them to practice, young
children need much parental support and involvement.
Some suggestions for parents:
1. Make several copies of your Suzuki cd, i.e., for the car(s), bedrooms, and
downstairs of the house. That way there is no excuse for your child to say she/he
not have time to listen or the opportunity to listen to the cd. Encourage your child
to play the cd while brushing their teeth, cleaning their room (gasp!), or eating a
snack.
2. Offer much positive reinforcement. For example, instead of commenting “That
doesn’t sound good,” find at least one thing to be appreciated in the performance
like “your tone is improving, and it sounds like you are really working on making
every note beautiful.”
3. Help your child set up consistent practice times. Avoid missing more than 2
days in a row of practicing. It is better to practice for 5 minutes on very busy days
than not at all. I have students who wake up a little earlier in the morning just to
work on a couple of measures before school when they get very busy.
4. Provide opportunities for your child to play for you. Ask your child to play a
short concert for you or people in your neighborhood. Five minutes of one-on-one
time could be all your child needs to become a more confident player. The Suzuki
method depends just as much on the parents as the teacher!
5. Go to concerts! I will put your email on my mailing list so that you can get all
the latest news about Columbus concerts, free events, etc.
What materials will I need for my child?
1. An appropriately sized instrument, in good working order.
2. A Suzuki cd ($15)
3. A Suzuki flute book ($7)
4. A music stand ($10)
5. A notebook just for flute lessons
How are lessons run?
The Suzuki method revolves around group and private lessons. Where group class
encourages teamwork by working on songs together, private lessons allow time for
more individual growth. There is little or no time for individual attention in the
group class--group class is about teamwork!
Does my child have to do both?
The Suzuki method comprises of both the private lesson and group class. In fact,
your child will probably want to do both! In general, students who have private
lessons and group class progress more quickly and efficiently.
It is strongly encouraged that Suzuki students eventually participate in group and
private lessons once the decision is made to commit to a long-term Suzuki
education.
What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method was developed by a Japanese man named Shinichi Suzuki.
Through his experience as a violinist and private teacher, he found that children
learned best through the mother-tongue method. In short, children do not learn
how to spell before they talk; nor do they talk in monotone drones before learning
inflections. Suzuki successfully applied this theory to his young violin students and
later taught this method to flutist Toshio Takahashi. Together they developed the
Suzuki method for flute.
The Suzuki method centers around three vital components: the student, the
teacher, and the parent. In order for your child to truly benefit from this method,
your supportive involvement is crucial.
What is the youngest age a child can begin lessons?
Typically, I can teach children as young as three (depending on the temperament of
the child and parents). The Suzuki method is a joint partnership between the
student, teacher, and the parents. It is a vital component in a child’s education that
he have the proper support network. In this ever increasing fast paced world, this
can be a challenge for many families but should not be overlooked. I encourage
parents to attend their child’s lessons and it is mandatory for young children that at
least one parent remain in the room during the lesson.
What is expected of me as a Suzuki parent?
Having a new musician in the family can be a wonderful experience for the entire
family. Parents are taught the basic mechanics of playing the flute in order to
assist the child in the beginning stages. You will need to take notes during
lessons. It is also helpful to play the Suzuki cds many times during the day so the
child knows the pieces just as well as his own name. Make sure that your child has
his own quiet place to practice, even if only for a short time. Just as a plant needs
water and sunlight to grow, so does your child need to the proper environment;
positive reinforcement is crucial!
For children as young as three, it is important to have realistic expectations. If
your child practices for 5 minutes and needs a break, that is ok as long as
practicing is strongly encouraged every day by the parent. If they do not want to
practice, then you should take out the headjoint and play yourself. Remember, at
such a young age, you are their hero (regardless if you think you play well or not:).
I have heard many times “If my child really wants to play the flute, I should not
have to remind her to practice or listen to the cd.” Although I have some students
who are 5 going on 20 and do not need Mom or Dad to tell them to practice, young
children need much parental support and involvement.
Some suggestions for parents:
1. Make several copies of your Suzuki cd, i.e., for the car(s), bedrooms, and
downstairs of the house. That way there is no excuse for your child to say she/he
not have time to listen or the opportunity to listen to the cd. Encourage your child
to play the cd while brushing their teeth, cleaning their room (gasp!), or eating a
snack.
2. Offer much positive reinforcement. For example, instead of commenting “That
doesn’t sound good,” find at least one thing to be appreciated in the performance
like “your tone is improving, and it sounds like you are really working on making
every note beautiful.”
3. Help your child set up consistent practice times. Avoid missing more than 2
days in a row of practicing. It is better to practice for 5 minutes on very busy days
than not at all. I have students who wake up a little earlier in the morning just to
work on a couple of measures before school when they get very busy.
4. Provide opportunities for your child to play for you. Ask your child to play a
short concert for you or people in your neighborhood. Five minutes of one-on-one
time could be all your child needs to become a more confident player. The Suzuki
method depends just as much on the parents as the teacher!
5. Go to concerts! I will put your email on my mailing list so that you can get all
the latest news about Columbus concerts, free events, etc.
What materials will I need for my child?
1. An appropriately sized instrument, in good working order.
2. A Suzuki cd ($15)
3. A Suzuki flute book ($7)
4. A music stand ($10)
5. A notebook just for flute lessons
How are lessons run?
The Suzuki method revolves around group and private lessons. Where group class
encourages teamwork by working on songs together, private lessons allow time for
more individual growth. There is little or no time for individual attention in the
group class--group class is about teamwork!
Does my child have to do both?
The Suzuki method comprises of both the private lesson and group class. In fact,
your child will probably want to do both! In general, students who have private
lessons and group class progress more quickly and efficiently.
It is strongly encouraged that Suzuki students eventually participate in group and
private lessons once the decision is made to commit to a long-term Suzuki
education.
The Suzuki Flute Method
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