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Philosophy | Lessons | FAQ | Suzuki SA Council

Teaching philosophy

Based on Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s strong belief that 'Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability that which can be developed' and his guiding principle is 'Character first - ability second', Suzuki Talent Education combines a music teaching method with a philosophy which embraces the total development of the child, nurtured by love and motivation. Dr. Suzuki called his teaching method the Mother-Tongue-Approach, inspired by the fact that children so effortlessly learn to speak their native language. The method focusses on the following factors: listening, motivation, repetition, step-by-step mastery, memory, vocabulary, parent involvement and love.

About Suzuki lessons

What's special about Suzuki teaching?

• Students really learn to listen. They listen everyday to recordings of the music they are learning.
• Every student has an individual weekly lesson.
• Students progress at their own pace.
• Parents attend lessons so that they can support daily practice.
• Students play together from the beginning - group lessons are a core feature of Suzuki.
• Group lessons provide motivation, friendships and skill building.
• Students experience the rewards of progressing through an internationally recognised and respected graduation system.
• It's logical - just as students learn to speak before they learn to read, Suzuki students learn to play by listening before they learn to read music.
• Accredited Suzuki teachers have ongoing, regular professional development and support through a world-wide Suzuki community.

Other great things about Suzuki

• Workshops, Festivals and other local, National and International events.
• It's part of a world community.
• A network of experts support the method.
• Children learn to perform with confidence from the beginning.
• Many professional musicians have learned by the Suzuki method.
• Thousands of Australians have benefitted from this method.

Questions frequently asked by parents

1. At what age should my child start to learn?
Suzuki teachers are trained to teach children as young as three. But learning music is for everyone - it's never too early, it's never too late.

2. Do I need to learn to play as well?
No, and parents don't need a musical background.

3. Will my child learn to read music?
Yes.

4. What sort of music will my child learn to play?
Suzuki repertoire begins with some specially written exercises and folk tunes, quickly moving to carefully chosen classical pieces.

5. Will my child be able to join 'non-Suzuki' orchestras?
Yes, orchestra audition requirements recognise the world-wide Suzuki graduation levels.

6.Will my child do music exams?
Suzuki has its own internationally recognised graduation system that involves submitting performance tapes for evaluation, performing at graduation concerts and solo recitals.

7. Will Suzuki prepare my child for a career in music?
Yes, if that is the child's goal.

8.What does it cost to learn by the Suzuki method?
Tuition fees for individual lessions match those of traditionally taught music lessons, as recommended by the Music Teachers Association of SA. The cost of group classes is minimal. Some teachers include these lessons in their term fee.

9. Will we need an instrument before we start?
No. Find a teacher and ask them to help you choose an instrument if you wish. Beginner instruments don't need to be expensive and can be bought or hired.

10. Do we need to join the Suzuki Association?
Yes. The student cannot participate in graduation and the range of fun, motivational activities unless your family are members. Suzuki SA is a non-profit organisation, so the annual membership fee is minimal.

Where do we start?

• Choose a qualified Suzuki teacher who is registered with Suzuki SA.
• Phone the Suzuki Talent Association on (08) 8277 2766 to discuss this or check our list of teachers on this site.
• Don't hesitate to ask if you can observe some lessons to see if the teacher's style appeals to you.
• Join the Suzuki Talent Association of SA.
• Instruments taught in SA are flute, guitar, harp, piano, violin, viola and cello.
• Ask the teacher about motivational group lessons and other Suzuki activities he/she provides.

Success of Suzuki Students

Suzuki-trained children throughout Australia are making their presence felt in youth orchestras and soloist at music camps and festivals. In eisteddfods they feature prominently among the prizewinners. Many win academic and music scholarships and achieve outstanding results in public music examination at the higher levels. A number are studying music at tertiary level and some are now trained Suzuki teachers and professional musicians.

2008 Council and Office details

Teachers

Kylie Mahony, President
Anne ApThomas, Vice President
Nicola Buckland
Jill Folauhola
Michelle Sykes
Vicky Yagi

Parents

Rob Buckland, Secretary
Vic Flierl
Merina Hague
Marian MacLucas
Kerry Mahony, Treasurer

2008 Membership Fees:

$70 new members (to 31/12/08)
$70 renewals (to 31/12/08)
$110 teachers (to 31/12/08)
$80 teacher trainer (to 31/12/08)