Every Person is the product of their Environment
Mother Tongue Method
Listening is the most natural way we take in our surroundings from the youngest age. This is how we learn our mother tongue and begin to appreciate fine music!
Dr Suzuki noticed how the children of Osaka spoke perfectly in their difficult dialect from the youngest age. Nobody "taught" the children this, they just learnt by listening and imitating. This formed the foundation of his philosophy that "every child can", and "ability begins early"
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If, as Suzuki said, "Man is the Son of his environment" , (translated for today - "Every Person is the product of their environment") then it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to the surroundings our children are raised in.
Suzuki believed that Talent is not inherited, "All children can be brought up singing out of tune" he said - definitely a tongue in cheek comment but with a very strong message especially for the people in roles of responsibility for children. It is therefore part of my job as a Suzuki teacher and educator to help teach you how to create that special loving musical environment both in the lesson and at home. When the environment is optimised for learning, the children will progress quickly and without struggles.
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Active and Passive listening to good Music, includes things such as going to live concerts, regular listening to the Suzuki Recordings and other quality music at home, making music with friends in group lessons, and even simply listening to other students lessons. These are a few of the ways we create passion for learning and a yearning for success as well. Children who are surrounded by good music grow to become sensitive and creative people with a fine sense for quality of sound. Suzuki teachers believe and witness consistently how the children also develop an innate and compassionate understanding of people around them.
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Materials you will need to help your child:
A good quality Bluetooth Speaker - look for excellent sound here, a Stereo that has good loudspeakers is an excellent choice, and in the best case, the possibility to listen to music in every corner of your home. (Don't forget the car also has loudspeakers as well!)
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A streaming service such as Spotify or Qobuz helps enormously, you can download many wonderful pianists playing great classical works - just ask your teacher for recommendations.
Personally though, you only need the ability to press "play" on your Childs current Books playlist everyday - multiple times ;)
