What is the triangle in the Suzuki Method?

The Suzuki Method is a methodology for learning to play an instrument from an early age and, unlike other learning methods, it directly and actively involves the parents.

An equilateral triangle is a figure with all its sides equal. In the Suzuki Method, this triangle, which is essentially a well-coordinated team, is represented by three equally fundamental sides: the child, the parent, and the teacher. I would add a fourth side, perhaps turning the triangle into a square: the environment. Regardless of the geometric shape, when I think of this team, I think of trust and commitment.

It’s important to understand that this triangle (or square) is not static; it evolves and changes as learning progresses. When a 3 or 4-year-old child begins their instrumental learning, it’s unreasonable to ask them to commit to practice individually. The commitment must be led by the parent who must be responsible for fostering the habit of practice, and for creating a positive and musical environment at home where playing the instrument is a part of everyday life. The teacher must guide and teach the children step by step, giving instructions to the parents for practice at home and to encourage habit formation.

Do you want your child to study music under the Suzuki Method?

Before starting with the Suzuki Method, parents must ask themselves:

• Do I want my child to learn under this methodology?
• Do we (parent and child) have real and quality time to practice every day and attend class each week?
• Am I eager to learn and enjoy this learning journey with my child?
• Do I have an open mind, am I receptive and free of prejudice?
• Do I want music to be an important part of our lives?
• Am I willing to create the most musical and positive environment possible?

If the answer to each of these questions is YES ✅, your start in this method could be very close! 🥳

In the Suzuki Method, you must Trust the process

Now, about trust. For trust to emerge from the beginning, I encourage you to look for a teacher trained and specialized in this methodology before starting your journey in this world. The teacher should know how to communicate and teach both your children and you. They should be respectful, affectionate, effective, and motivating. Trust will develop little by little, day by day. What is important for this to happen is that you communicate and speak with the confidence that you will not be judged. Have faith in the process, in your children’s abilities, and above all, enjoy!

Let’s see what level of commitment is required once we start taking classes.

In the classroom:

• Collaborate closely with the teacher.
• Accompany your children to class. Show joy and enthusiasm. Note and take videos of each exercise, game, activity, or technical point covered in class. Do not interrupt the lesson unless the teacher asks you to participate directly.
• Don’t be afraid to ask if something is not clear.
• Trust the teacher. They are specialists and highly trained in early instrumental education. Everything has a reason, and it is built and cemented piece by piece, step by step.
• Do not compare. The learning pace is different for every child. Even identical plants, sown in the same way, with the same timings, light, water… grow at different rates. We are all unique, and there is no point in accelerating the processes. In the end, all will grow if we are careful, meticulous, and create the best environment. It is important to free our minds from those thoughts that tell us that all paths are the same and lead to the same place.
• Trust the method and the learning. It is a wonderful journey where you will learn technical and musical aspects, as well as tools, and strengthen parent-child bonds, adding trust, security, and happiness to this relationship.
• Trust your children. As Suzuki said and I will never tire of repeating: “All children can”. All children can reach their maximum capacities if they are motivated, guided, accompanied, and grow in a conducive environment.

At home:

• Create a practice habit. Choose wisely when, where, and what to practice before starting.
• Initially, creating the habit will take time. It’s normal. You will learn to understand when is the best time for both of you and adjust your rhythms. 😊 ⏰
• Remember that the Suzuki Method is the Mother Tongue Method and… every day we talk!
• Trust in your child’s abilities. Learning should be demanding but without pressure and led through enjoyment and joy in learning.
• Practice is not only playing the instrument, it’s also singing, playing, dancing, percussing, reading, creating, listening…
• Dedicate enthusiasm and time to creating the best environment. It’s normal that when young, your children may not feel the call to practice. It’s up to you to foster it. If it doesn’t come from you every day, it’s unlikely your children will do it now or in the future.
• Practice should become a moment of union and happiness as well as learning. One of those one-on-one moments that are not always possible in current family dynamics due to the lack of quality time. Enjoy and learn mutually. 🙂