Use of a metronome is key to productive practicing
Use of a metronome is key to productive practicing
Use of a metronome is key to productive practicing
Use of a metronome is key to productive practicing
BACK TO BASICS
I have taught violin for over 30 years and have seen the ebb and flow of interest in string playing and several cycles of rising and falling expectations and standards on the part of teachers and students alike. My experience in working with several hundred students over a span of over thirty years persuades me that there is a need for a “back to basics” approach to lay a solid foundation for the proper development of a young string player. Though there have been notable exceptions, the prevailing pattern that I encountered is that too many young string players are working on repertoire that is beyond their abilities while a basic understanding of the mechanics of string playing is largely missing.
Working with Ruth Elena in Bogota (2005)
SUZUKI
While it is probably true for all serious disciplines, I know for certain that string playing is a discipline that has no possibility for shortcuts. Unfortunately, for most parents and students the name "Suzuki" has magical appeal and seems to offer a method that eliminates much of the discipline, mental focus and sustained effort that is required to make music on a string instrument (our uniquely American obsession with "instant gratification" comes to mind). It would be quite wonderful if it were true, but that is as far from reality as weight loss products that do not require excercise or dieting while at the same time promising no harmful side effects.
More often than not, when I meet a new student and ask them what they have been working on, the reply is, "Suzuki". While I do use some of the Suzuki books in my own teaching, I recognize that they are, after all, a convenient compilation of well know violin music by some wonderful composers.
In addition, the distinction between being schooled in the SUZUKI METHOD and simply using the Suzuki compilations (Volumes 1 throught 7) has collapsed and to many students and parents they are one and the same. They are not the same and teachers need to make sure that this is understood. While I use some volumes of the Suzuki series I would never claim to be a Suzuki teacher.
Another harmful side effect from the misuse of the Suzuki "label" leads to what I do not hesitate to call, "musical illiteracy". I have never heard a student say that they are playing a Bourree by Handel or a Minuet by Beethoven. As far as the student is concerned, they are playing "Suzuki no. 6" or "Suzuki no. 11". On top of that, all of these selections are "songs", not pieces or movements of concertos (I sometimes tease the students and ask them to bring the lyrics for these "songs" to the next lesson). We who teach must be more vigilant and not hesitate to make the appropriate correction.
I make it clear to students and parents that the Suzuki Books are perfectly acceptable if they are part of a comprehensive program that includes etudes and scales but that they are not intended to teach a student the mechanics of the left hand or bow technique and are certainly not a substitute for the well established method books and etudes that have produced some of the finest artists of the last few generations.
The bad news for students and parents looking for a shortcut is that the effort required to be successful in music is no different than the effort required to be part of a successful athletic program. Young people who play football, basketball, or tennis, think nothing of spending hours after school to pratice and drill in their sport. It is required and expected. The same applies to music, except that music requires that discipline twelve months a year. No matter the method, Suzuki or traditional, any thought of shortcuts is an illusion.
My feeling on the subject is akin to the famous line attributed to Louis Armstrong when asked about his preferences in music - "there are only two kinds of music; good music and bad music". For me there are only two kinds of teaching - good teaching and bad teaching. As the Bible says. "By their fruits ye shall know them".
For a list of Music Publishers and Retailers click on Next Page below.
Suzuki Violin Teachers Central
A Suzuki Violin Teacher's View
Suzuki Violin Program @ University of Maryland