My Philosophy of Learning and Teaching

I know most parents are anxious to help their children succeed academically and in life. I felt the same way as I was raising my six children, and I have the same concern for my grandchildren. One of the greatest experts in the education of children was Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the founder of the Suzuki Music method, who spent his life proving that ability is not inborn and that talent can be created.

Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist, educator, philosopher and humanitarian. Born in 1898, he studied violin in Japan for some years before going to Germany in the 1920s for further study. After the end of World War II, Dr. Suzuki devoted his life to the development of the method he calls Talent Education. Suzuki died on January 26, 1998, at his home in Matsumoto, Japan. Though he lived to be 99 years old, Dr. Suzuki always seemed young. He was full of energy, and was cheerful and loving to everyone he met.

Suzuki based his approach on the belief that “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 mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.”

Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character through the study of music.

“The main concern for parents should be to bring up their children as noble human beings. That is sufficient. If this is not their greatest hope, in the end the child may take a road contrary to their expectations… We must try to make them splendid in mind and heart also.”
—Shinichi Suzuki

Read more about Dr. Suzuki here
The basic principles Dr. Suzuki distilled can be used by every parent. As you read these tenets, think about the miraculous way that almost every human being learns to speak their native language. In your mind, substitute reading, mathematics, handwriting, sports, or any other discipline for music.

Every Child Can Learn

More than forty years ago, Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach. The ideas of parent responsibility, loving encouragement, constant repetition, etc., are some of the special features of the Suzuki approach.

Parent Involvement

As when a child learns to talk, parents are involved in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. One parent often learns to play before the child, so that s/he understands what the child is expected to do. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment.

Early Beginning

The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.

Listening

Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.

Repetition

Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways. (think “practice”)

Encouragement

As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.

“You only need to practice on the days that you eat.” Another great quote from Dr. Suzuki. This is a mantra for Suzuki music students, and should be a mantra for all school students as well: “You only need to read on the days that you eat”.

Mrs. Larsen’s Tips for Success in School

Have your child read every day.
Work on school skills (math facts, handwriting, spelling) every day. Five or ten minutes will work wonders. Practice while you are in the car, while you are waiting for an appointment, whatever.
Limit TV and video game time. Make such time contingent upon having completed school work and music practice.
Give your child music lessons!
Make sure your child gets enough sleep.
Be a good model yourself.

I taught Suzuki piano lessons for almost twenty years, and my own children were involved with Suzuki piano, violin, and flute.

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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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My Philosophy of Learning and Teaching