|  Suzuki
Talent Education is a music education method
developed Dr Shinichi Suzuki from Japan.
Dr Shinichi has
called his method the Mother Tongue approach.
He observed that any child who is properly
trained can develop musical ability just as
all children develop the ability to speak their
mother tongue.
A child learns to speak by:
At what age should my child start
to learn?
The Suzuki Method follows the parallel with
language learning and recommends that musical
training should become an important part of
the child’s environment from birth.
Children can start formal individual lessons
from four years old.
What Instruments can be taught using
the Suzuki method?
In Western Australia, we have qualified
Suzuki teachers that teach cello, flute,
guitar, piano, violin and voice. We also have
an Early Childhood Programme.
How do I choose a teacher for my child?
The Suzuki Talent Education Association has
a list of accredited teachers and can recommend
one for you. However, it is wise to firstly
observe some lessons to see if the Suzuki
Method and the teacher’s style appeals
to you.
What equipment do we need?
You will need to own an instrument before
you start lessons. Your teacher will advise
you of the correct instrument and size for
you child. You will also need a good quality
sound system to listen to recordings of the
Suzuki repertoire. This listening is an essential
element of learning since constant listening
to music performed with beautiful tone provides
children with a role model for their playing.
It is also helps the student to learn their
pieces faster if they know how the piece sounds.
What is the role of the parent?
The parent’s role is crucial and involves:
- Attending each lesson and assisting with
practice at home.
- Understanding and caring for the instrument
- Creating an environment of affection, support
and encouragement
- Playing the recordings at home.
- Attending workshops, concerts, graduations
and other Suzuki activities with the child.
What sort of music do the children
learn?
Children start with nursery rhymes and folk
songs and move through the classical repertoire.
The order of the repertoire is carefully chosen
to develop technique, musicianship and style.
Teachers often give supplementary material
to widen students’ musical experience.
At what stage do Suzuki children learn
to read music?
In the some way that children learn to speak
before they are taught to read, children learn
to play music before they are taught to read
it. Reading music is taught after basic playing
skills have been mastered. The stage at which
this happens varies from child to child and
depends on the child’s age and general
developments.
Do students perform in public?
 Yes.
Students perform in public at an early age,
gaining self-esteem, confidence and encouragement
from these public performances.
Why join the Suzuki Talent Education
Association of Australia (WA) Inc?
The Suzuki Talent Education Association of
Western Australia aims to foster and encourage
the use of the Suzuki
Method and approach to music education
in Western Australia.
Levels (Levels Days) and Graduation:
Doing 'Levels' is not an examination, and
every child succeeds. Teachers present students
only when they are certain that the performance
is secure and musical. To graduate is to achieve
recognition for having reached a certain milestone
in the ongoing process of musical education.
There are many benefits of joining
the Suzuki Talent Education Association:
- A quarterly newsletter containing helpful
articles and information on events in this
State.
- Access to events such as concerts, workshops
and other special events.
- Access to the Association’s library
and books, cassettes, music and videos.
- Support from fellow parents.
- Updated list of teachers
- Opportunity for graduation at the completion
of each level.
Families learning from a Suzuki teacher are
expected to join the
Association |
