The Suzuki Flute Method
Talent Education
Shinichi Suzuki, violinist and teacher, began developing his system of education in the 1930’s. He recognized children’s ability to assimilate language as an opportunity to enrich them through music. He called this method the Mother Tongue method. Suzuki believed that talent is not an inborn ability, but a skill that can be developed to a very high level in every child given the proper training and environment.
Because Suzuki was a violinist, he applied his theories first to teaching children to play the violin. The Suzuki Method, also known as Talent Education, now includes flute, recorder, cello, viola, string bass, piano, harp, and guitar.
Suzuki Flute
The Suzuki Flute Method was developed by Toshio Takahashi, and continues to evolve as students and teachers mature. Mr. Takahashi was a student of the eminent French flutist, Marcel Moyse, upon whose playing and teaching the Suzuki Flute Method is based. Mr. Takahashi is currently director of teacher training at the Talent Education Institute in Matsumoto, Japan.
The Suzuki Triangle
The Suzuki Method requires a three-way partnership between the student, teacher and the parent—all working together combining a philosophy, a technique and a program of education. Parents attend lessons and practice with the child daily. The parent need not be a musician—she/he is taught, step by step, how to help the child at home.
A Positive Approach
The teacher and parent encourage the child, praising each effort, so that the practice time is a positive experience. It is the teacher’s challenge to help the parent create an environment that provides motivation for the child.
Benefits of Suzuki Study
Suzuki students develop many skills beyond musical technique including problem solving, memory skills, perseverance and the ability to focus on a task. Other benefits of Suzuki study are an increasing appreciation of music, development of an emotional outlet, sense of self-worth, discipline, and respect for other people with similar and diverse skills.
Tony Watson, DMA
Flute Instructor
Community Music Program
School of Music
University of Louisville
502 718 2011
http://suzukiassociation.org/people/tony-watson/
