Arts >> Music >> Other Music

How to Train for the Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method is a method for learning how to play a musical instrument that incorporates a significant amount of ear training and learning how to play music in a progression using song books of different levels. It was created by the violinist Shinichi Suzuki. He desired to apply the concept of language to music. Training for the Suzuki Method involves learning how to play the instrument before learning how to read music. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, find a school that teaches the Suzuki Method, understand the importance of parent involvement, learn the fundamental aspects of the instrument, purchase the first Suzuki book, listen to the corresponding CDs, attend private lessons, attend the group lessons, understand the importance of repetition and create a practice schedule.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Pen
  • Paper
  • Suzuki book
  • Suzuki CD's
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a music school that teaches the Suzuki Method. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, you must find a school that teaches in this style. The Suzuki Method is distinct from other methods of teaching in the way that the Suzuki Method incorporates parent involvement, group lessons, a specific repertoire and extensive ear training. You can find a Suzuki music school by looking online.

    • 2

      Understand the importance of parent involvement. The Suzuki Method places a significant amount of importance of parent involvement. The reason for this is that the parent can act as a teacher, and can encourage and help the child to learn. During the lessons, the parent learns how to play the instrument, too, and is supposed to practice with the child at home. If you are an adult, then you do not need parent involvement; however, you should understand its importance.

    • 3

      Learn the fundamental aspects of the instrument. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, you need to master the basic elements. These elements consist of holding the instrument, the proper posture and how to produce sound on the instrument. The teacher will teach you this in the first few lessons.

    • 4

      Purchase the first Suzuki book. The Suzuki Method has a distinct repertoire, which means that there are different levels of books with music that corresponds to training experience. For example, if you are just learning how to play an instrument, you would purchase the level one Suzuki book. You will not learn how to read music in the beginning of your training; however, you will need the book for when you do learn.

    • 5

      Listen to the corresponding Suzuki CDs. Each Suzuki book has a corresponding CD. This is how you will learn the music. For example, if you have the level one book, you should purchase the level one CD. When you learn a new song, listen to it many times on the CD. The more you hear it, the more familiar with it you will be. This will help you to learn how to play the song by ear.

    • 6

      Attend the private lessons. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, you must always attend the private lessons. The private lessons will help you to improve your ear training, technique and ability to play the songs. The private lessons typically occur once each week.

    • 7

      Attend the group lessons. One of the most important components of the Suzuki Method is to learn how to play music with other children. In the group lessons, you continue to work on your technique, ear training and group playing uniformity. The group lessons occur once each week.

    • 8

      Understand the importance of repetition. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, you continuously repeat the same melody, but with different rhythms. This is known as a variation. Doing the variations allows you to concentrate on technique while still producing beautiful music.

    • 9

      Make a practice schedule. In order to train for the Suzuki Method, you must practice at least an hour each day. During this time, you should review what you learned in both the individual and group lessons, and work on your song.

Other Music

Related Categories