Modified Suzuki

What is Modified Suzuki?

The Suzuki Method is an internationally known and respected method of teaching young children to play a musical instrument. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, violinist and creator of this method, originally focused his efforts entirely on violin instruction. His methods have later been adapted for use in teaching other instruments.

The method was first introduced in the United States in the 1960's and quickly became one of the leading approaches of violin study, with particular success noted in children as young as the age of three. Dr. Suzuki's method was radically different from more traditional approaches in large part due to his recognition of music's strong parallels with language and language acquisition. Dr. Suzuki concluded from his observations of young children learning to speak, that children can also learn music (and the violin) much the same way they learn their "mother tongue". This approach naturally involves heavy parental participation and leaves musical literacy to later stages of learning, much like reading and writing come after speaking in primary language acquisition.

Modified Suzuki departs from traditional Suzuki by including the focus of learning to read music and understanding musical structure at an early stage of instruction. While I am a huge supporter of Dr. Suzuki's "mother tongue" approach with toddlers, my choice to depart from the traditional Suzuki approach stems from the fact that many children in our Western culture, particularly in the fast-paced Northern Virginia region, come to violin at a slightly older age (five years old and up), often coming from families where both parents work. Additionally, today's children participate in a high number of activities, distracting from the natural process Dr. Suzuki describes in his literature. It is also common for elementary aged students to participate in school or local orchestral programs which cite basic musical literacy as a necessity.

With these things in mind, I patiently begin working with students early to build reading skills using a child-friendly approach I've developed and refined over the years. It is never far from my mind that these skills translate across all instruments and continue to be useful, even if a child chooses to switch instruments at a later date. As in language skills, literacy is never a disadvantage.

In addition to building basic reading skills, the Modified Suzuki group class offers a wider range of musical experience than is common in a more traditional Suzuki group class. Group classes in this Modified Suzuki studio focus on many aspects of music, including solo performances (every student performs at every class), group performances, sight-reading, the lives and works of great composers, musical styles, basic musical structure, and always, listening, leading, and responding. These classes move quickly and are a highly enjoyable way for students to learn in a social, friendly, fun environment. Again, much like the advantages of literacy, many of these wider subjects covered in the classes lead to a lifelong appreciation of music, regardless of whether or not a student continues to play his or her instrument as an adult.

The important thing to note about a Modified Suzuki program is that the original spirit of nuturing young musicians in a supportive and rewarding way remains intact. The ultimate decision of choosing between a Traditional Suzuki approach or a Modified Suzuki approach rests upon your needs, your child, and your new teacher. It is my sincere wish that you enjoy the process, whatever that process may be.

Related Publications

Nurtured By Love, written by Shinichi Suzuki; Translated by Waltraud Suzuki

The Suzuki Violinist, written by William Starr

To Learn With Love: A Companion Guide for Suzuki Parents, written by William and Constance Starr