The Suzuki violin method is now known as one of the best ways to teach violin and is used all over the world. Many professionals attest to the effectiveness of using the Suzuki method as evidenced by the many musical geniuses it has produced out of children with originally ordinary musical abilities.
There are naturally some objections to this method, but generally, instructors, professionals and students all hail it for its amazing results. Which claim about the Suzuki method should you listen to.
It is difficult to compare the Suzuki method of teaching the violin to other more traditional methods because there are different types of Suzuki violin study. Although traditional teaching is not exactly standardized either.Then there is the practice of some instructors to mix both the Suzuki method and the traditional method which, assuredly, complicates the matter of comparing them even more. However, let’s explain the basic Suzuki violin lessons in Singapore.
The Beginning Suzuki who invented the method believed that the earlier a child began to train the better it would be. Thus, the Suzuki method is often taught to younger children, usually aged 2 and 3, eventhough it can also be an effective method to teach all ages.
Sadly, there are very few qualified violin teachers who are willing to teach children at that tender age. Many teachers prefer teaching children from six to ten years old.
Introducing the Suzuki Violin Lessons In Singapore is one of the best and most effective learning that comes from this method is caused by the emphasis made on passive learning. That is to say watching and listening. This works in the following way: Before students start to learn to play a piece they first listen to recordings of the piece or pieces they are learning as well as other important classical pieces.During classes, recorded background music can be heard in low volumes in the classrooms.
The belief behind the Suzuki violin lessons in Singapore is that students will absorb the music and learn much as an immersion learning process happens in language learning. The students are slowly being exposed to the music and improve accordingly. Thus, they memorize the music, the nuances, tone, timing, pitch and articulation of the piece.
The Suzuki Method is Like First Language Acquisition
Just as in language acquisition, a person first learns to speak instead of write, so it works in the Suzuki method. The students learn to express themselves through their music then are taught to read. The concept aims to teach the students to get to know the instrument well before teaching them to read music and learn techniques. This way, they can give undivided attention to one task, which proves more effective than having them concentrate on two tasks at the same time.
Traditional violin methods pay not attention whatsoever to passive learning, and are generally not given the opportunity to listen to recordings of pieces they will learn. Traditionalists believe that by listening to these pieces beginners will only learn by rote, and will not be able to learn to read music. They believe this will lead to mechanical limitations in the musician.
The Lessons
The Suzuki method allows the child or student to enjoy himself. They first learn to observe other students, and see what they will eventually do.
Even when they are already playing the violin, they are still made to observe the more advanced students. These students are given the opportunity to collaborate with others with similar musical interests.The social interaction that goes on allow for more entertaining and fun classes. Competition is not encouraged in this setting.
The Suzuki Method does not remain in the Classroom but is Taken Home
With this concept, the parents have much more involvement in the training. Parents and teachers are made partners, with the parents often being requested to be in the class with their child, in working towards teaching the child. With this set up, parents can work with their child in class, and be the teachers at home. This provides the violin student with a great advantage in learning and in practice.