My Teaching Approach
My teaching is predominantly influenced by the Japanese violin pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki who in the 1950’s pioneered a new way of teaching the violin. However, I have also taken part in teaching courses run by the Hungarian violin teacher Géza Szilvay, who devised the highly successful Colourstrings approach, as well as Stringbabies by Kay Tucker. Other eminent string pedagogues who have influenced my teaching are Paul Rolland, Sheila Nelson, Mary Cohen, Simon Fisher and Ivan Galamian.
In the 1950’s Dr Shinichi Suzuki (1898 – 1998), the son of a violin maker, pioneered a new way of teaching children the violin in Japan. By observing how every child naturally learns its native tongue – through listening, repetition, total immersion in the language and a supportive environment – he decided to apply exactly the same principles to teaching the violin.
Passionate about the potential of music to transform children and enrich their lives his so-called Mother Tongue Approach has become internationally recognised as one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to develop musical ability in small children.
Through his teaching, Dr Suzuki provided dramatic evidence of how small children, given the right conditions, have astonishing potential to perform tasks which are often thought to be beyond them, inspiring teachers and parents alike.
Key Suzuki Principles are:
- ‘Every Child Can’: Race, class, gender is irrelevant. Children who have learning disabilties can still learn to play the violin.
- An Early Start: The sooner the child begins, the better. Children as young as 3 or 4 can play the violin.
- Listening: The more the child listens to music, the more likely it is they will develop a natural feeling for music and playing the violin.
- Parental Involvement: Supporting the child and sharing the musical journey makes it a more rewarding experience for both parent and child.
- Practice: A little and often so that it becomes just part of the daily routine.
- A Positive Environment: Group lessons, playing in concerts, listening to concerts, playing and listening at home, meeting other children and adults who love music all helps to encourage the child’s musical development.
