Can adults use the Suzuki method?
The Suzuki method was created by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in the early 1900’s. Dr. Suzuki was a violin student himself and also worked in his father’s violin factory. One day, Dr. Suzuki had the realization that all Japanese children speak Japanese. Now I know what you might be thinking-well, duh! But if you’ve ever tried to learn a language as an adult, then you understand how difficult it is. My husband is Taiwanese and I’m currently trying to learn Mandarin. It is extremely difficult!
This realization formed the two key principles of the Suzuki method: the easiest way to learn is by ear and talent is not born. Children are exposed to the language of their country from birth. They spend years listening to it before they finally speak their first words. Children learn to speak much before they learn to read and write, and the only way they learn their language is by ear; therefore proving that learning by ear is a very effective way to learn. Additionally all children learn to speak their own language, not just some of them. This indicates that all children have the capacity to learn an instrument, or quite frankly any skill; the only difference is the amount of time it will take them.
Obviously, the way you teach adults and children has to be different, no matter what method you’re using, but the principles remain the same.
Personally, I teach all of my children students 100% by ear at first, but I don’t do so with adults unless they specifically ask to be taught in this way. With adults, after we cover the basics of posture and learn our first scale, I have them immediately start reading music. The expectation here is not to be able to read music perfectly in a matter of weeks, but rather to understand the basics of music notation so that they can refer to the notes if they forget them. Students are still expected to listen to the music frequently as it will help them internalize the piece and therefore learn it quicker.
The main reason why I believe the Suzuki method works well for both adults and children alike is because it is based on skills. The pieces are set out in such a way that you are either learning a new skill or refining one you’ve just learned. However, one of the detriments is that these skills are not always obvious, even to me! Before I took my Suzuki training, I had very little idea of what skills were being gained in each piece because they’re not explicitly spelled out. I also like to supplement the method with outside pieces based on the student’s desires and preferences, to help keep them engaged and excited about learning to play.
One thing remains the same in my teaching of both children and adults: I break everything down into super simple, small steps. This is ideal for children because it’s all they can process, but also great for adults because it is less overwhelming.
So, can adults learn with the Suzuki method? Yes. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Try it for yourself inside of Learn Violin Online. When you join at any tier, you’ll unlock my mega-course, Suzuki Books 1-5, where I not only teach you how to play each piece, but also teach you the important skills behind them. Try it for yourself totally free for 5 days.
Did you learn to play using the Suzuki method? Let me know!
