The Suzuki Approach

The Suzuki Approach in Action

Every individual has innate ability and talent, with the potential and capacity to learn within a nurturing environment, supported by dedicated and talented teachers and supportive parents.

The school is inspired by the research of Dr. Suzuki, who believed that if children can learn a complex language at a young age, then they can also develop musical skills and appreciation if they are exposed to music making and music listening at a young age. Dr. Suzuki's "mother tongue" method values realization of the potential of all children through:

• the awakening and growth of a desire to learn.
• the creation of positive, high expectations for the learner.
• a favourable environment characterized by encouragement, praise, and cooperation.
• the utilization of a mastery approach to learning which is understood by distinguishing three phases of task-specific skill development:
  • emphasis on the learner's understanding of what is to be learned;
  • meaningful practice with appropriate feedback that is specific to the relationship between current performance levels, and goals that are within the student's immediate reach;
  • review that develops and reinforces the automatic execution of a skill.
•  instruction based on the knowledge that children will learn at different rates, and with different learning styles.
•  cognitive learning facilitated by a strong auditory foundation.
•  social interaction in the form of group lessons that encourage motivation and commitment.
•  the active involvement of parents to support teacher-directed instruction through regular daily review.
•  the critical importance of teachers contributing as role models and as facilitators of learning.

Watch the video!