Very young children can be taught to play an instrument using the Suzuki approach. The child learns by listening, imitating, and repeating sounds, just as we learn to talk. The method creates a partnership between the teacher, parents, and child, inspiring a fine musical ear, self-confidence, and a lifelong love of music. Parents attend all lessons and group classes and work with the child daily.
How it Works
In the Suzuki Method violin program, Children learn through both individual and group lessons. Each child receives a weekly individual lesson and a group lesson, concert, recital, or other group activity every month.
In addition to individual and group violin lessons, students take music theory lessons that helps them read, write, and understand music notation and how music works.
Our music curriculum gives students a well-rounded music education that goes beyond the “typical” weekly private lesson. Our curriculum has taken many of our former students to the heights of music performance. It is designed to take our music students to the highest levels of musical excellence.
Our complete, all-inclusive music curriculum includes:
- One Weekly Individual Violin Lesson
- One Weekly Group lesson
- One Weekly Music Theory Lesson
- Many Performances Opportunities Through the Year
- Parent-Help Seminars to Maximize Your Child’s Music Learning
Watch these videos on how the Suzuki Method works!
More Details:
Individual Lessons
The teacher, student, and parent meet each week for an individually-focused lesson -one child at a time. While one, two or three children may be present at the same lesson, the teacher’s instruction is focused on one child while the other children and parents observe quietly, learning from the instruction. The length of the lessons may vary depending of the number, age and skill level of the children in the lesson, being from 30 to 90 minutes. Listening skills, posture, rhythm, and tone are developed. At home, the parent works with the child on daily practice and listening throughout the week.
During a child’s first semester of Suzuki violin lessons, lessons #1 – 3 may be dedicated mainly to instruct the parent to develop a rudimentary understanding of the violin. The child observes and participates in those lessons. After that introductory stage, the child becomes the main focus of the lessons.
Group Lessons
Essential to the Suzuki Method are group lessons, where students listen to one another play, interact musically, work on technique, play musical games, learn theory skills, and learn locomotor skills. Group lessons are part of the regular instruction and are scheduled at least once a week. Other activities such as concerts, recitals, and workshops are also part of the program.
Music Theory Lessons
Music Theory lessons at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas center on the concept that learning to read and write music, to understand how music works and to hear and read is merely a means to an end – music students should be able to use their music theory skills to play their instrument in a more informed manner and to compose their own music.
Recommended Ages
Because of developmental differences in young children, Suzuki violin teachers recommend that children begin studying between the ages of two-and-a-half and six years old. Admission into the program may require a short meeting between the parent, child, and teacher to determine whether the program is what you and your child need. Additionally, parents receive training on the Suzuki® philosophy and approach. Contact Mr. Murillo to request more information.
Before You Begin
Most Suzuki teachers recommend that parents and children observe several Suzuki lessons before registering. Parents take a course covering the basics of the Suzuki philosophy and principles of helping the child with daily practice. It is recommended that children younger than 4 attend at least a semester of early music education classes. For further details on how to attend violin lessons and details describing the Suzuki Violin program,contact Mr. Rigo Murillo.
* Rigo Murillo is a registered Suzuki teacher member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The Suzuki® Method is a registered trademark of the International Suzuki Association and its administrators. Suzuki® Method materials are published exclusively by a subsidiary of Warner-Chappell Music, Inc., Summy-Birchard, Inc.