Opinion and analysis of the Suzuki Method for piano

In Suzuki method it is nowadays a very popular teaching system for children. This system can be included in the concept of modern music education.

Initially the Suzuki method of music was thought for violin, because its creator played that instrument but with time the same concepts have been applied to other instruments. And one of them is the piano.

It must also be said that his tremendous popularity has led him to have loyal defenders and detractors. And that’s something that usually happens when there’s money and success. But before we talk about that aspect, let’s know a little more about the detail on which this method is based.

What is the Suzuki method of teaching music?

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The method bases its general principles on the fact that music can be learned in a natural way, in the same way that one learns a child’s mother tongue. This implies that it is good for the child to start his musical education from a very young age. After three or four years, even if you cannot hold the instrument correctly or press the keys on the keyboard.

The reference centers in Suzuki are also based on highlighting the aspect of music education as a motor for a good education in our children. Promotes teamwork, perseverance and social integration.

On the previous point it must be said that the current trend in music education is to promote those values and this is not exclusive to the Suzuki method. It is true that both the Suzuki method and other similar methods provide a counterpoint to training in conservatories. Much more rigid and masterful but not because of poor quality.

If our son continues his adult education until his professionalization as a musician he will have to go through the conservatory if he wants to be a classical musician.

The method is also based on the child listening to the piece to be played and becoming familiar with it before touching it. From there you will train your skill in a similar way as you learn a language. By repetition and experimentation. It is intended to be learned with little effort. This is one of the good aspects of the method and it must be said that children develop a good ear by what we have proven.

Controversy over Suzuki method for children, detractors

In recent years voices have emerged that attempt to discredit the method and its creator Shinichi Suzuki. In general, they question the author’s biography.

This type of controversy often arises when new teaching methods arrive and the schools or systems that were there before want to maintain their commercial positioning. In the end the realities are complex enough to say that one methodology is better than the other.People we know who have brought their children to study piano with this method say that it is very effective for developing the ear and musicality. But it also depends on the teacher’s commitment.What you see is a commercial world that can sometimes be perverse. The Suzuki method encourages the child to get into the music from a very young age and that’s good but sometimes….

We simply say don’t trust just because a school tells you they have certified teachers.

How do I know if a music school is good for my children?

Whether the methodology of the centre is Suzuki or if it has other didactic approaches you are going to have to be mentally aware of one thing. Many music schools just set up their classrooms so that unconnected music teachers can give their classes there. Many private and small schools fail to develop a single methodology and take care of the child’s evolution. This is really done by your teacher and there is usually no coordination between the school and the teacher beyond the administrative.Having said that, we recommend that you know who the student’s teacher is, because it is really the one who will impose the method and lead the student’s progression. This is the first point to bear in mind. See if they have a high turnover of teachers and find out if that teacher has been teaching at the academy for several years. That’s a good sign.The Suzuki method is very useful at first with small children, many teachers then end up mixing it with other methodologies both classical and with other modern approaches. So don’t think that the Suzuki method will be the only option used. It is normal for a good teacher to use several methodologies.Ask other parents in the academy to tell you if you’ve done well and if they’re happy, and find out about the best teacher or if there’s a bad one to avoid it. There is no better system of reviews.And of course ask your son. See if he’s having fun in class, if he’s motivated or if it’s a heavy burden for him. A good thing about the Suzuki method is that it makes it easier for the child to learn, in a natural way and that it shouldn’t cost them. A good teacher motivates and makes his students want more.

Is the piano the best instrument?

​Choosing the piano as an instrument for your child in the Suzuki method is a great choice and we explain why in several points:

• It can play both modern music (Jazz, Blues, Pop) and classical music.
• It is a highly demanded instrument in any musical training, so your child will make friends quickly and will be much sought after as he becomes a teenager.
• It is easier to learn harmony than on the guitar as it is a more visual instrument.
• It is a much better composition tool than any stringed instrument.
• Facilitates the learning of a second instrument.

An adult can learn piano with the Suzuki method

Although it is a child-oriented method, the inventor of the method has made it clear that the methodology and exercises are also suitable for an adult. Since an adult can also learn a new language. The truth is that the old precepts of “you can only learn music if you start as a child” are behind you.The Suzuki method is based on learning and acquiring talent as well as speaking a new language. And new research on brain plasticity has shown how studying music can make adults “smarter.” If you’re interested in this topic, we invite you to read our article “learning piano after 30.It has to be said that an adult can try to learn piano in a self-taught way but to implement the Suzuki method requires a teacher. At least a couple of monthly classes supported by self-taught material. If you want to know more about how to learn piano as an adult and as a self-taught person, we invite you to visit our piano learning guide.​

Books to learn the Suzuki method

The Suzuki method for piano has been embodied in several books and you will probably be asked to buy them at the academy you go to. Here is the link to the edition with texts in Spanish, Italian and French. Comes with audio and is the first book with which you start the method.

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