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What Parents Can Expect From Our Suzuki Program

The Hyde Park Suzuki Institute (HPSI) excels at developing musical ability in children. Based on principals of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan, our instructors believe that all children can develop fine musical talents the same way they learn to speak - through listening, imitation, repetition and a positive motivational environment created by parents.  Progress is made from skill to skill in carefully structured lessons using a "one step at a time" approach.  From the beginning, emphasis is given to excellent posture, fine intonation, polished technique and production of a beautiful tone.

The Important Role of Parents

The Suzuki Method demands time as well as deep personal commitment on the part of the parents.  The Institute gives parent classes and workshops which meet for parent/teacher interaction through discussion and exchange of ideas.  Together, parents and teachers establish learning and listening habits which extend the training to the home.

Excellent progress of HPSI students is most easily and quickly accomplished when the following ingredients are present:

• A parent who attends every lesson, group class and recital
  
• A parent that assures that the student practices every day.
  
• A parent who faithfully plays the Suzuki CDs daily
  
• A parent who creates a positive, no-fail learning atmosphere at home
  
• A parent who embraces Dr. Suzuki's philosophy that every child has musical ability worthy of  nurturing
  
• A parent with commitment, patience and love for the child.
  

Reading Music

Note reading is introduced as a natural outgrowth of what the child already knows and at a time when the student is ready.  The instructor insures that solid reading skills are developed through careful planning of private lessons and group classes which emphasize scales, supplementary pieces, theory and aural skills.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  My child loves music. How do I choose an instrument for my child?

A:  If your child has specifically requested lessons for a certain instrument, by all means, choose that instrument for him or her.  For the young child, we suggest that you choose the instrument that you will enjoy learning along with the child.  As the home teacher, you will need to learn the instrument, in order to facilitate the at home practices.  Remember children will quickly change their minds about an instrument, so be prepared to stick to your choice for at least one year.

Q:  Should I purchase or rent the instrument?

A:  As a beginner, it is recommended that for violin and cello students, you rent your instruments.  Children will grow and need to exchange the instrument for larger sizes, may damage the instrument and need repairs or may be uncertain if this is the instrument they will have long term.  Piano students should have a piano or keyboard in their home and guitar students should purchase their instruments, as the cost is minimal and there is not much variety in size choices.

Q:   Are parents required to attend each private and group class with their child?

A:  Yes.  In keeping with one of the main components of the Suzuki philosophy and our Suzuki approach, parents are required to attend every class and lesson and are encouraged to learn as much about the instrument and the material as possible.  Your participation will help to keep your child motivated and excited about his/her musical education.

Q: My child is really excited about starting the instrument.  How soon will s/he actually begin to play?

A:  You and your child should expect to actually play the instrument only after approximately 3 weeks of instruction.  Before one can begin to play a note, there is information that needs to be learned as a foundation of classical music instruction.  Embracing the ability to be silent, developing focused concentration; excellent posture and refined listening skill are prerequisite to learning how to experience the soul through musical expression.  Eliciting that which is driven from within and made beautifully audible through the chose instrument (simply stated, making an instrument make beautiful sounds") nurtures creativity and passion.  What seems like slow progress in the beginning is actually the laying of the foundation for excellent skill mastery of your craft.