FAQs

Children can begin Suzuki piano anytime from around 3 to 6 years old, depending on individual readiness and family involvement. The earlier a child is immersed in a musical environment, the more naturally musical skills develop. Readiness is assessed by the teacher in a pre-lessons observation period through the time in sece classes or an extended period of observations of other childrens lessons. Please don’t push your child to begin before they are ready – your teacher will tell you when the time is right.

Yes. Consistent daily practice is a core element of the Suzuki Method, and having a piano at home is essential to progress. An acoustic piano is ideal for developing tone and touch, there are many options out there to consider. Rent to buy offers are often a great beginning, offering you the opportunity to purchase a good instrument from day one.

Students typically receive one individual lesson or one group class per week. Individual lessons focus on the child and their personal progress. Group lessons reinforce repertoire and review, encourage ensemble playing, and foster peer learning in a joyful, motivating setting

Group lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki learning process. Because these lessons are so important to me, at the Piano box, in group lesson week, there are no individual lessons, only the group lesson. So if you miss groups your child will miss having any lesson that week which is a shame. Children build more than just their musical skills – they build their confidence amongst their peers, develop listening and interpersonal skills. They learn to be considerate to others, to help others, they celebrate their successes and that of their peers in a non competitive environment. They also need to review to prepare for the lessons, meaning their repertoire becomes more confident and polished. While they mostly have no idea about all that, they simply experience the joy of music-making together.

Reading is introduced once a solid foundation in playing and listening is established — similar to how children learn to speak before they read. This approach ensures that music reading develops naturally and fluently, with strong ear–hand–eye coordination.

Yes, daily listening to the Suzuki repertoire is fundamental to the success of the method and will reflect clearly in your childs progress. Listening is the one way that enables children to internalize the music, develop phrasing, rhythm, tone, and memory. Other music is welcome and enriching, but listening to their suzuki playlists is essential for their success in the method. A small note here – when listening at home, please play the recordings quietly – you shouldn’t have to raise your voice to be heard over the recording. It can be played anytime, your child doesn’t need to be sitting and concentrating – just in the background while they’re eating, playing or even heading off to bed. It should provide a sense of comfort and familiarity after a while.

Regular, focused, and enjoyable home practice is key to progress. There is no recommended time, rather your child should be enjoying their practice and be able to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Young beginners may start with 2 minutes, but 5 times a day, gradually increasing with ability and attention span. Consistency is more important than length, so we even have special practice charts sometimes to help motivate the children to keep at it when the motivation wanes. A favourite way to talk to your child about practice is, no you don’t have to practice everyday, Dr Suzuki said, “you only need to practice on the days you eat” 😘

Yes. In the Suzuki Method, the parent plays a vital role as an active partner in the learning process — often referred to as the “home teacher.” Parents are expected to attend all lessons, take notes, and support daily practice at home. This involvement is key to your child’s success. At home, you become their cheerleader, motivator, and guide. While this role can be both rewarding and challenging, it is also a rare and precious opportunity: few experiences allow us, as parents, to spend focused, meaningful time working side by side with our children every day from such a young age. And when the time finally comes to ask your child if they’re ready to attend lessons on their own, the answer is often something like, “Sure… but they can still come if they want.” Which, in teenager-speak, is usually their way of saying — yes, I still want them there.

No prior musical background is necessary. Teachers will guide parents step by step. What’s most important is a willingness to learn and be involved. Many parents enjoy gaining new insights into music and education alongside their child. Suddenly you will also know a lot about the piano too!

The Suzuki Method is built on the belief that “Every child can learn” when nurtured in a positive, consistent environment. With its emphasis on listening, repetition, parental involvement, and character development, it offers a holistic and child-centred approach to music education. Character before Ability is my favourite quote from Dr Suzuki, and in the end playing the piano becomes the “side effect” of suzuki lessons. Suzuki Students are fortunate to enjoy loving and caring environments in lessons and at home allowing them all become really wonderful people and upstanding citizens in our communities. It provides hope that just as in Dr Suzuki’s vision- maybe it is Music that will save the world.