Suzuki children play by ear first and read the notes when they reach a certain level of competence.

Perth has several small ensemble groups where the children can join in and play basic orchestral music.

This is fun and a very social way to learn to read music. Of course it is supported by structured lessons on note reading as part of the child’s Suzuki training.

As they get older and more competent many children move on to bigger groups like the West Australian Youth Strings or the West Australian Youth Music Association, leading to the Australian Youth Orchestra.

From there, a number of students graduate at tertiary level and join the music profession.