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MIDDLE TENNESSEE
SUZUKI ASSOCIATION
MUSIC IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE HEART WITHOUT WORDS - S. Suzuki
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FAQ

Is Suzuki is for all ages?
Although the Suzuki Method is known primarily for its work with young children, many older children, teens and adults have had great success learning their instrument with a Suzuki teacher.

Is Suzuki right for me? 
When parents decide the Suzuki Approach is right for their family, it is important to know a bit about the method (see ABOUT SAC page and LINKS), and realize the level of parental involvement required by most Suzuki teachers.

Are Suzuki lessons in groups?
Suzuki lessons are PRIVATE once weekly lessons, with a weekly or monthly GROUP class where students play their common repertoire together, as well as explore music with other activities involving music theory and history.

How do we get started?
The SAC recommends that you contact more than one teacher in your area to set up a sample lesson and observation. The relationship between parent, teacher and student (Suzuki triangle) is paramount in the approach and it is important to have a good “personality match” between you and the teacher. Find a teacher here.​

Do we need an instrument at our first lesson?
Remember that you do not need an instrument to have a sample lesson: many Suzuki instruments are fitted to the child’s specific size, and the teacher must evaluate the student BEFORE you obtain an instrument.

Can we observe other students?
Some Suzuki teachers require or may allow you to observe the lessons of other students, so that you can see how they interact with students and their families.

What do I look for in a lesson?
When observing or having a sample lesson one should look for these qualities: Does the teacher have a sense of fun and present ideas in an appealing way? Is the lesson time balanced between focused detail work and review pieces? Does the teacher interact with the child and parents in a respectful, nurturing way? Is the lesson time organized with different activities that keep the child engaged? Did the teacher demonstrate or play the instrument during the lesson? (Suzuki stresses the use of aural learning and teachers are expected to model how to play the instrument in each lesson.)

Suzuki teacher members of the Suzuki Association of Colorado and the Americas have pledged to continue to pursue teacher education and enrichment, as well as playing their respective instruments at a high level.

What are some questions I should ask the teacher?
You should look for and ask each teacher about their education: How many books of Suzuki Teacher Training does the teacher have, and in what instrument? If the teacher has one book of training, when do they plan on taking Book 2 and subsequent courses? How frequently does the teacher take training or enrichment courses? Do they take refresher courses? Do they have a music degree? If so, in what instrument and field? Do their students participate in enrichment or extra activities in the community or through the Suzuki associations?


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