Bristol Music School
Suzuki talent education studios
Suzuki method
The method we use was devised by Dr Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998) who based it on the principle that all children are able to learn to play musical instrument in the same way they all learn to speak their own language. Children learn by copying their parents and absorbing the environment they are exposed to.
We would never dream of teaching a child to read and write before being able to speak our native language, and yet this is often done with music. Using games, and up-to-date teaching techniques, we aim to give children both a deep, intuitive understanding of music and to bring them naturally and easily from joyful musical games to musical literacy.
With the correct training and parental support, children can start playing at the age of 3 or 4. The emphasis is on pupils listening to the musical sounds they are making, and parents creating a richly stimulating home environment in which children learn from the beginning.
Our purpose doesn’t lie in creating professional musicians but to create persons of beautiful mind and fine ability through unparalleled and unique musical approach.
In Suzuki teaching, much emphasis is placed on daily listening to recordings of the Suzuki repertoire, as well as music in general. Constant listening to music performed with beautiful tone provides children with a role model for their playing and creates great environment for sensitive playing. In the lessons, the production of fine tone and sensitive playing is stressed and reading delayed until the young child is ready to add this skill.
Those who deal with very young children will know that 3 year-olds cannot be made to do something that they do not want to do. Suzuki teaching is ideally adapted to the needs of the young child, and is particularly concerned with motivation, understanding of child development and psychology, and with making learning fun, while at the same time aiming for excellence. Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their language no matter how difficult it is. The potential of every child is unlimited.
The lessons take place at the Bristol Music School. From time to time we will organise group sessions where we can enjoy playing together and make musical friends.
To understand fully the philosophy of this method I recommend reading “Nurtured by Love” by Dr S. Suzuki. The book is widely available from all large bookstores in the UK.
We are a part of the Suzuki South West group. Please click on the pink box for the events we take part in. They are non selective events. Everybody can participate.