The Suzuki Method was originally developed for violin students by Dr. Schinichi Suzuki. His goal was to be able to successfully introduce music to students of all ages, especially very young children, in a completely natural way. In the mid 1950s, pianist Dr. Haruko Kataoka began studying with
Dr. Suzuki, and adapted the violin method to piano.
At Suzuki Piano of Scottsdale, the Suzuki Method is used for both piano and voice lessons. Music is introduced to students in the same general way as verbal language is presented to children. When we first begin to learn our language, we are surrounded by voices and submerged in an atmosphere full of speech from the day of our birth. Reading is only taught after basic speech and language skills are acquired in the child's own time. Following the same natural learning principals, the Suzuki Method focuses on ear training, technique, posture and patience first and foremost. After a student is comfortable with the beautiful sounds of music, and is able to properly produce those sounds, music reading and theory is taught. Reading music is absolutely not neglected, but is introduced in a more natural order.
For these reasons, the Suzuki Method of music education is often and accurately referred to as the "Mother Tongue" method.
Music, piano music
Scientific research has supported the belief that numerous academic and life skills are taught or enhanced through music study. School aged children who study music often have higher test scores, improved study skills, more consistency with project completion by set deadlines, more advanced writing and math skills, keen listening abilities, and the capability of easily following specific directions. These skills routinely carry over to other areas of life, and to other age groups. Individuals who study music, or have at one point, are generally more confident public speakers because of their experience with stage performance. Music study dramatically increases patience, detail and stress management, all of which are invaluable to professionals of a variety of fields. Teachers often incorporate music into their lessons for children to have an easier time relaying the lesson to memory and application.
In short, almost any academic area or professional position can be supported through music study. These claims have been studied extensively, and the results have become commonly known as the “Mozart effect.”
Piano on stage