The Suzuki Method
What is the Suzuki Method?
The foundation of the Suzuki Method is the Suzuki philosophy which is built on the idea that "Every Child Can" learn to play the violin. Founded in Japan after WWII, this method is based on the hope that by learning to appreciate a musical culture, children will grow to make peace and beauty rather than war. Dr. Suzuki realized that children can speak their native language easily from an early age and thought to apply this same concept to learning the violin.
Parental Involvement is a key component of the Suzuki Method. Parents and teachers work together to create an encouraging learning environment for the child. Parents will first learn the fundamentals of playing the violin so they can help the child learn, along with attending lessons and practicing at home with their child. Practice time is a wonderful opportunity to build a solid loving relationship with your child.
Another crucial component to the Suzuki Method is Listening. To learn a language, a child is immersed in that language and will hear words hundreds of times before beginning to speak. Listening to the music of the Suzuki repertoire every day is essential for the child to learn to recognize the music. This is why the Suzuki Method is also called the "Mother-Tongue Method."
Encouragement and Review are essential to nurture the child and his natural abilities. By breaking tasks down, the student can easily learn and make progress. When a student learns a new piece or technique, he maintain that skill through repetition and review.
Group classes are offered in addition to the individual lessons. Group classes bring together students of varied ability levels to review music vocabulary, refine music skills, learn to play together as an ensemble, and develop leadership skills. This is a unique aspect of the Suzuki method, and a fun, motivational, and inspirational experience for young musicians. Through group classes, your child will build lasting friendships with their peers.
An Early Beginning is encouraged in the Suzuki Method. Teachers can work with children of any age, beginning with children as young as three through early teens. Students of any age benefit from the Suzuki approach to learning and playing the violin.
View Marissa's page on the Suzuki Association of the Americas website.
Read more about the Suzuki Method.
Lessons with Marissa
Marissa truly believes that every child can learn to play the violin and the Suzuki Method benefits children of all ages, from 0 to 100! As a four year old, Marissa began taking Suzuki lessons and her love for music and the violin never stopped. She aims to instill in her students this same love and appreciation of music. Marissa continues to share her music with her parents and regularly performs with her sister, a violist. Learning to play the violin builds self-confidence in children as they perform in a safe, encouraging, and fun environment from an early age.
Marissa strives to provide support so a child feels free to explore new ideas and to foster a love of learning through music. Through her work with the Alexander Technique, Marissa encourages children to become more self-aware and promotes ease and flexibility in their violin playing. Find out more about the the Alexander Technique. Music is a gift you can give to your child that will last for a lifetime.
For more information about violin lessons or to set up your first lesson, contact Marissa.