Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence

Suzuki Program

^{(For comparison of Suzuki and traditional approaches, please see bottom of page.)}

We offer Suzuki instruction in violin, viola, cello, piano and flute, for students age 2.9 and up. We have several registered Suzuki teachers, offering Suzuki violin/viola instruction up to Book 8, Suzuki piano instruction up to book 4, and Suzuki cello and flute instruction up to book 2.

We offer two ways to start with Suzuki, and we're happy to help you decide which is the better fit for you and your child:

Either ~

1) Starting with our "Intro to Violin with Suzuki Method" 8-week group class for age 3-5 or 5-7. This is a general introduction to violin based on Suzuki philosophy and methodology (see below), with three to five parent-child pairs per group. New groups begin several times a year, and families may choose to take either one or two 8-week sessions, before transitioning to their choice of the standard Suzuki program or traditional private lessons.

Intro to Violin Level 1: $220 for 8 classes, including instrument rental, book and CD.

Intro to Violin Level 2: $245 for 8 weeks, including instrument rental.

Or ~

2) Starting immediately in the standard Suzuki program of weekly Suzuki private lessons, plus optional (but strongly recommended) Suzuki supplemental group class.

Private lessons: 20 mins (age 2.9 - 4) - $33.50     30 mins - $46 (For longer lessons for older/more advanced students: see here.) Day and time by arrangement.

Supplemental group class for private lesson students (violin/viola/cello): 14 themed group sessions per semester, plus group class concert, informal outreach concert, and parent event.

Supplemental group class times:

Beginners/pre-twinklers/twinklers: Wednesdays, 6:00-6:30pm;  $180 per semester

Early/mid book 1: Fridays, 6:20-7:05pm; $280 per semester

Late book 1/early book 2: Wednesdays, 4:00-4:45pm; $280 per semester

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a Suzuki lesson tryout, or to discuss the best option for you and your child.

Students of non-WSM teachers may join our group classes with written permission from their teacher.

Suzuki Education and Philosophy

More than fifty years ago Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki, observing that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease, began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music. He called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent involvement, loving encouragement and constant repetition are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach:

Parent Involvement

Just as parents are naturally involved in their children’s acquisition of language, with the Suzuki method parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. Sometimes the parent learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands better what the child is learning to do.

But no prior musical experience is required of the parent - the teacher will help both parent and child. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Starting Early

The early years are the time of explosive development in mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music may begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.

Listening

Children learn words by hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. In the same way, listening to music every day is key, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so that the child absorbs them before ever playing them – just as s/he does with nursery rhymes or advertising jingles!

Repetition

Repetition is a key factor in learning of any kind, including learning an instrument. Children do not learn new words or pieces of music and then discard them. Instead, they add them to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using them in new and more sophisticated ways.

Developmentally appropriate curriculum

The Suzuki method is developmentally targeted to young children. Children build strong foundational skills through creative and playful activities alternating between exercises, movement, and song (video here and here). Teacher, child and parent work together - no prior experience is needed, as parents learn right along with their child in class and partner with them at home. As the children grow they build on this foundation, transitioning gradually and naturally to increasing mastery and independence in their learning.

What is the difference between Suzuki lessons and traditional private lessons?

At Wayland School of Music we do not believe that one approach is “better” than the other. Above all, the most important factor in your child’s learning is an expert, experienced and enthusiastic teacher who really knows how to connect with children and is a good personal “fit” for your child.

However, the two approaches are different in philosophy and “flavor”, and which to choose depends on which you think will be a better fit for your child and your family. The table below lists some of the differences. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up a free tryout lesson in either method, or if you have further questions.

_{(Note - a Suzuki method tryout will be in a private lesson format, but serves as a taste of the same methodology used in both private Suzuki lessons and Intro group classes. The teacher will help you decide on the best choice for you.)}