Posted by christianhowes on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
This article about the Suzuki Method was recently at the heart of some online controversy... what's your stance? Do you think the Suzuki Method is important and irreplaceable or do you think its too conservative and washed-up?
http://christianhowes.com/2013/03/11/why-the-suzuki-method-is-important-and-irreplaceable/
6 comments on “Your take on the Suzuki Method?”
lawrence lamear Says:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @3:55:50 PM
Christian, when ISN'T the Suzuki Method at the center of contoversy? And you have the AUDACITY to post this question on Fiddle Hangout...LOL!!!! If you would be so kind, please permit me a cruel chuckle!
Bwahahaha.... (rubbing my hands with malicious glee)...
Before I give you an answer, I'd like to ask you a question...what IS the "Method," and how is it different from other "methods?" Seriously. Also, do you feel that the approach is or needs to be different with children than with beginning adult students?
I've been playing classical violin for over seven years (with fiddle thrown in as well), so I have more than a mere passing interest in the subject as Suzuki has been my primary classical source for at least six of those years.
But again, before I make any comments, I'd like to hear your take on what the "Suzuki Method" consist of, and how it may differ from other methods.
christianhowes Says:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @4:06:09 PM
thanks! I put my take in this article here:
christianhowes.com/2013/03/11/...laceable/
appreciate your feedback!
lawrence lamear Says:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @5:35:55 PM
I read your article and listened to what Gabriel had to say in the video...interesting stuff, though a bit esoteric at times. Obviously both of you are very gifted music educators, and thus your perspectives on the subject are naturally different than mine...teachers' viewpoints vs. a student's...an "adult" student at that.
(I suspect you are probably looking for a teacher's opinion on this, especially those geared to teaching children, of whom SOME may end up playing at a very advanced amateur level, or even professional level).
My opinion...Suzuki isn't the end-all, be-all of musical training...but I do believe that it gives a beginning student a rock-solid foundation upon which to build upon, regardless of the musical "direction" one chooses after that. Of course, much depends on the teacher's methodology and approach as well.
From my personal perspective (and speaking for myself only) Suzuki has been a blessing to my training and development as an older-adult student of the violin. I also am fortunate to have a wonderful teacher
that is able to teach "me" as an individual, and not take a cookie-cutter approach with me. Likewise, I love classical music, I like most of the music in the Suzuki books and like how it incrementally 'teaches" and moves me along. I have considerable say in the process with my teacher, but he still will crack the whip in my technical development. I feel that i am a disciplined player, and yet play with my own voice. So for me personally, Suzuki was/is a good fit. (Currently in Book 8).
Yet I also play fiddle, and dabble in lots of genres...I feel like Suzuki gives me a solid foundation and understanding of music and the instrument...which i can build upon and add to when approaching other genres. And as I said, I also have a very good teacher.
christianhowes Says:
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 @6:52:48 PM
Great perspective Lawrence thanks!
TuneWeaver Says:
Friday, December 27, 2013 @1:18:14 PM
My children studied violin via the Suzuki method.. They are good musicians... I'll never know what would have happened If we had done something different as parents.. Many parents just take the opportunities that are available at the time...Am I making sense? I learned a lot just sitting in on the lessons..
TuneWeaver Says:
Saturday, December 28, 2013 @8:13:46 AM
On another thread, someone said that playing the violin "isn't about building character"..Actually, everything builds character but trying to play music with an instrument that isn't set up properly and haven't a poor teaching method is not the best way to do it...
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