Learning the Suzuki Method in Music School

There are many ways to learn a new instrument. You can pick one up and start playing, or learn in school band. You can watch videos online and hope to get somewhere. You can also take formal lessons from professionals or at a Houston music school. Each school tends to have its own ideology and method for teaching. One such method for learning music is called the Suzuki method. This system is focused on listening and repetition.

Hear the Music

You’ve probably heard some musicians say they just “play by ear.” This is a large part of the Suzuki method, as students must spend a lot of time listening before they learn to read music. This ideology began during World War II in Japan. It is based on the principle that as children mimic sounds to learn to talk, they can do the same when learning an instrument. When you know how something is supposed to sound, and you can get an idea of the dynamics and tone of the piece, you may be able to play the song much more effectively.

Practice Makes Perfect

Of course, practicing is still required. You cannot just listen to a song and learn how to play it. But as you’ve heard the model piece so many times, you can practice the piece efficiently to get it performance ready. Another part of this method requires the continued practice of the beginners’ pieces. Just because the musician moves on to a more advanced book or musical piece, he or she will not just dismiss the old stuff. The idea is that these beginning pieces serve as a foundation and can be incorporated into everything else the learner plays.

Other Information

Although listening is the primary method for learning, students still use books at varying levels. There are 10 books in all, and the progress can be slow. The beginning books never stop being practiced as the student progresses. Most of these books focus on classical compositions. Teachers often supplement Suzuki books with other things like scale books or music books for other genres. If you decide to put your child into a Houston music school, be sure to inquire about the level of parental involvement they will require for your child’s success in music.