Become a Suzuki Parent
You don't need any prior music knowledge, however, you do need a desire to learn, belief in your child's ability to learn, and a willingness to commit to your child's long-term growth. The Suzuki method isn't a repertoire or a technique, it's an incredible philosophy and learning style that can change your way of life.
We are successful when the Suzuki Triangle is achieved: a qualified teacher, a dedicated parent, and a curious child. Parents are the child's first and most important teacher. Jeanne Luedke suggests you remember these 5 rules as you (unconsciously) did when teaching your child to first speak and walk.
Children learn best through their senses. Trust the process of listening and observing! Dr. Suzuki said, "The baby is born. Does he start to say 'Mama' the next day? For months he just listens."
Children learn at their own pace. Although we all have an innate ability to learn, the speed and styles of learning vary. No learning speed is so slow that a child's interest is lost. It is usually our frustration or our lack of consistent practice that crushes the learning spirit.
Children are taught the ability to concentrate. Recognize the moments of focus your child has and realize when they have reached the limit of their attention. Dr. Suzuki said, "When the child looks up, the lesson is over." Within a few months, ages 3-5 should be able to concentrate for 20 minutes. When a student is unable to focus on his instrument for 5 minutes but you keep him there for 30 minutes, you have let him practice how not to concentrate for 25 minutes. If you have had 5 excellent minutes of focus, take a break. Then come back and try for 6 excellent minutes of focus!
We learn through review and repetition. Yes, quality over quantity, always! However, we teach how to find a very small part to make natural and easy through quality repetition. This is how progress is made. A piece just learned cannot possibly show the fine polish of a piece reviewed and refined in its technique and musical expression. This is the celebrated progress at recitals.
We learn best focusing on only one point at a time. We practice to make things easy, natural, and automatic. You do not walk by telling your mind to put one foot out and then the other. Michiko Yurko said, "Successful learning happens in many small steps rather than a few large steps."
No one loves your child more than you, so I know you are invested in their well-being and success. My hope is that through piano lessons, you will develop a lasting relationship with your child and share a love of learning (and music!) together.