The child should listen to reference recordings every day at home to develop musical sensitivity. Rapid progress depends on this listening.
The production of beautiful tone should be stressed in the lesson or at home.
Constant attention should be given to correct posture and proper hand positioning.
Parents and Teachers should strive to motivate the child so he will enjoy practising correctly at home.
How is that some children advance so much more quickly than others? Is it pure natural talent, or have these children been subjected to an environment of subliminal learning in early childhood and before?
Dr Susuki believes that any child can develop the musical skills to become a great musician, but the learning has to be holistic and highly motivational involving both teacher and parents.
Children who are exposed to music and in particular, musical instruments through their intrinsic senses will absorb information automatically. For example, the child that grows up in an environment where one or both parents play and practice musical instruments daily, will adapt quickly to playing a musical instrument very during their first lessons.
When I teach small children to play guitar, those that already appreciate rhythm and timing always advance more quickly with the technical side of things.
What I like most about this method is the emphasis on making music from the very first lesson. Music doesn't have to be difficult to play, which is why the Susuki Method focuses on rhythm, dynamic articulation and a sense of time - none of these things are difficult to do on the guitar, but they are the main ingredients of making music for children and everyone else.
If you'd like to talk to me about Susuki method lessons for your child, please do get in touch. I run group sessions in Reigate for children and parents.