Suzuki

Develop your child’s natural musical ability in a nurturing and positive environment through the Suzuki method. Children learn a musical instrument the same way they master a language: through listening, immersion, social interaction and repetition. Family participation and collaborative learning by Suzuki trained instructors create a supportive Suzuki community of parents, students and faculty.

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and teacher, founded a music education movement in the 1950’s based on the premise that all children are born with musical ability. The Suzuki approach is modeled after the way young children learn to communicate in their native language. A positive attitude by parents and teachers, an enriched home environment and a belief in high standards rounds out the philosophy.

Family participation is an essential part of the Suzuki method. Prior knowledge of music is not needed, but parents must be willing to be very involved in the learning process. Families new to the Suzuki method are required to attend Introduction to the Suzuki Philosophy for Parents before or during the first semester of their child’s study. One parent must attend every lesson, be responsible for daily coaching and ensure that the student listens to recordings of Suzuki repertoire daily.

At Levine, Suzuki students enroll in an educational package, which includes individual instruction, group classes (where appropriate) and special activities and events that are suited to each instrument. Before registering for Suzuki classes, parents and prospective students are required to observe lessons already in progress (at no charge).

Suzuki students can begin as young as 3 ½ years and the Suzuki method is offered for guitar, piano, strings (violin, viola, cello, and harp) and woodwinds and brass (flute and trumpet).

Learn more about the Suzuki Association of the Americas
Learn more about the Suzuki Association of the Greater Washington Area

Suzuki Offerings