Immerse your child in music from a very early age. The Suzuki method is more than just teaching and learning; it is a way of life, which includes the family in the learning process. Start with visiting existing Suzuki classes, where your child can observe more advanced students learning to play. Children usually start at 3 to 4 years of age and spend up to a year just observing older children and memorizing music. Observing others can awaken the desire to join in.
Start playing by ear. Give your child a violin and encourage him to mimic others. Start with simple tunes like nursery rhymes. Suzuki students follow a core repertoire that starts with "Twinkle, twinkle, little star" and progresses to challenging masterpieces. Encourage your child to experiment and to repeat the tunes over and over again, until she comes naturally. Dr. Suzuki stresses the importance of a loving approach to practice. Just as you would not get angry with your child if she doesn't practice talking, you should be patient and supportive when it comes to practicing the violin. However, daily practice is recommended, because it wires the brain for playing confidently.
Introduce sheet music as an afterthought rather than right at the beginning. Dr. Suzuki states that children can speak their native language for years before they start reading. The same goes for music. According to Dr. Suzuki, it is beneficial for confidence and playing ability that children learn to play first and then learn to read music. This way, they develop a good ear for pitch and superior sensitivity to music. He recommends that children should regularly revisit early pieces of their repertoire and play them again, using their improved abilities.
Encourage your child to attend weekly group sessions as well as individual lessons. Playing together enables children to socialize and learn from each other and, above all, to have fun. Regular performances are an intrinsic part of the Suzuki method. This way, the child loses stage fright and grows into a confident and well-rounded human being.