What is the Suzuki Method?
Dr. Shin’ichi Suzuki was a Japanese violin teacher who developed an innovative approach to learning music through observing how children learn and discovering that all children have great potential to develop musical ability. Further motivated by his belief that music education could serve as a powerful vehicle for character development, Dr. Suzuki developed the ‘Suzuki Method’. Almost a century later, the Suzuki Method remains a powerful and effective way to learn music!
Also called the “mother-tongue method”, the Suzuki Method teaches music in the same way that children learn language: listening first, speaking (playing) next, and reading later. Key concepts from the Suzuki Method philosophy include:
Every child can learn
Ability develops early
Environment nurtures growth
Children learn from one another
Success breeds success
Parent involvement is essential
Encouragement along the way is key!
In the Suzuki Method, learning music is a family experience through the ‘Suzuki Triangle’ partnership between teacher, parents, and student. Principles of the Suzuki Method are incorporated alongside other music pedagogies at all levels of instruction.
What does learning with the Suzuki Method look like?
Listening to high-quality music is a regular part of your environment. Listening can happen at home, in the car, while practicing, and through hearing live music performances!
Learning engagements specifically designed for the way that young children learn (ideally 4-7 years old). Of course, students of all ages are welcome; it’s never too late to start! Instruction is tailored according to each student’s age, level, experience, and learning style.
For families who are interested in starting even earlier (2-3 years old), early childhood music instruction is also available! Music education in this age range looks like listening, movement-based activities, and singing, to prepare for formally studying violin.
Family learning experience: a parent/guardian is present at lessons and classes, and often siblings are, too! Parents/guardians can learn the basics of how to play violin to best support their child during home practice.
Repetition and review are important ‘ingredients’ to successful learning in the Suzuki Method. We are accessing the way our brains love to learn- with plenty of opportunities to ‘do it again’ and reinforce deep, long-term learning while progressing as a musician.
Peer learning experiences: Students have regular opportunities to play and perform alongside each other, which serves as a great opportunity to learn! Multi-level and multi-age group classes and concerts provide a spectrum of learning levels, from beginning through advanced students.
Locations:
Studio location in San Gabriel, serving families throughout the San Gabriel Valley including Arcadia, Temple City, Alhambra, Monterey Park and Rosemead, as well as Pasadena and South Pasadena
Group classes for Suzuki Violin and early years music classes also offered in Monrovia, serving families in the east & west SGV
“We love having Ms. Jessica as our daughter’s violin teacher. She is exceptionally patient, positive, and attuned to each student’s way of learning, allowing her to pivot and adapt her teaching approach to gently guide learning, focus, and growth through each lesson. We are also so appreciative of the extra time and care she always takes to collaborate with us (parents) and our daughter to find creative ways to encourage her music development, and find joy and magic in learning the violin.” -M, Parent
“Jessica is a truly thoughtful and professional music teacher. I'm always inspired by how open, collaborative, and student-focused she is. She communicates with kindness and clarity, and always takes the time to understand and support each student’s unique needs. Learning from Jessica is a joyful and meaningful experience. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a passionate, caring, and skilled music teacher. Working with her is a gift!” -WC, Teaching Colleague