What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method develops the whole child and prepares them for a lifetime of music making and appreciation! We believe that music should be learned the same way we learn language as a child, and that we always aim to nurture our student's growth and development in music and in life.
What are Suzuki Baby/Toddler Classes?
Suzuki Baby/Toddler Classes are a great way for students to begin their musical education! The emphasis is on natural, low-pressure development of skills like taking turns, pitch recognition, listening, and expressing music with our bodies. We also start developing a good learning relationship between parent, child, and teacher. In the Suzuki Method, this is called the Suzuki Triangle.
The Suzuki Baby/Toddler program focuses on 3 philosophies and 4 concepts that define how children learn and what we can do to support them. The philosophies are: every child can learn, ability develops early, and environment nurtures growth. The concepts are: children learn from one another, success breeds success, parental involvement is critical, and encouragement is essential. We strive to demonstrate all these ideas by example in each class.
In 2010, a study by the McMaster Institute of Music and the Mind was published by a researcher and Suzuki Baby/Toddler class teacher named Laurel Trainor. Her research compared Suzuki class with a listening-only music program. The study found that children in the Suzuki class showed earlier and more advanced brain responses to music and better pitch recognition. In addition, the young students smiled more, were easier to calm, had more sophisticated communication skills, and were less distressed by unfamiliar people or places.
Although the studies show that the benefits to our students are serious, the classes are all about the fun and joy of music making in a moderately structured setting! Please aim to leave snacks and binkies at home or packed away for class. If you child needs a breather, Shannon’s violin studio is available during class as a quiet place for you and your child.
