Please note that the Suzuki Program does not run during the summer term. Students currently enrolled in Suzuki instruction should instead enroll in individual lessons for the summer term.

WHAT IS THE SUZUKI METHOD?

The Suzuki Method stems from the fundamental principal that Every Child Can Learn. Just as every child learns his own language, every child can learn to play an instrument. Mr. Suzuki trained teachers to break down larger concepts, such as 'how to hold the cello', into smaller easily learned exercises. Each exercise is carefully thought out and sequenced so that over the course of a few lessons, the child learns the entire task of 'how to hold the cello'. Suzuki trained teachers use positive reinforcement to encourage a fertile learning environment, while maintaining high standards of execution.

Parents are an integral part of each lesson and form part of the Suzuki Lesson Triangle, serving as the at-home teacher. The Suzuki Method is tailored to teach very young children, as young as 3 years old. The goals of the Suzuki Method are to enrich the lives of children by playing a musical instrument and to give each child the satisfaction that comes from the ability to do something well. The philosophy of the method teaches the child discipline, memory, focus, self-esteem and confidence, among other skills.

HOW DOES THE SUZUKI METHOD DIFFER FROM OTHER METHODS OF TEACHING MUSIC TO CHILDREN?

• Suzuki teachers believe that musical ability can be developed in all children.
• Students begin at young ages.
• Parents play an active role in the learning process.
• Children become comfortable with the instrument before learning to read music.
• Technique is taught in the context of pieces rather than through dry technical exercises.
• Pieces are refined through constant review.
• Students perform frequently, both individually and in groups.

THE SUZUKI PROGRAM AT SHERWOOD

At Sherwood, we have built an engaged and loyal community around the Suzuki program that nurtures a safe and fun environment for students, parents and teachers. Our events include year-round parent education classes, book club meetings, fundraising opportunities, field trips, and performances at cultural institutions around Chicago.

Our faculty at Sherwood includes over a dozen Suzuki trained instructors. Our teachers are actively engaged in the larger Suzuki community and are members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Our faculty participate in ongoing Suzuki Teacher Training and development activities in our effort to ensure that our program offers high quality instruction.