The Suzuki Method – Learn Suzuki Piano

The History

Shinichi Suzuki developed the Suzuki Method after he discovered that young children could learn music as if it were a language. He noticed that children learn language by listening for several years, then trying to talk on their own. Then with parents’ help, they learn to speak proficiently and fluently. Suzuki adapted this idea for music and developed a program to teach young children to play the violin. He later expanded his program to include additional instruments, including the piano. Today, over 4,000 teachers use the Suzuki Method and many more thousands of students get to learn beautiful music using the Suzuki Method!

What is unique about The Suzuki Method?

The Suzuki Method teaches music as if you’re learning a language. With focused practice, any student can learn to play beautifully and confidently! The method involves…

Listening to your music daily. Just press play on the Suzuki playlist, and listen to it as background music for at least one hour a day. That helps the student know the music in their head before learning it on the piano. You can download the recordings for Suzuki book 1 on the Alfred publishing website, or get a feel for it on and Suzuki Book 1 on Spotify. Here is a link to Suzuki Piano Book 1, the actual book that we use during lessons.
Focusing on one new skill at a time. Each lesson has just one main technique goal. This helps students learn more quickly and efficiently.
Reviewing songs so you can practice a new skill on a song you already know
Parents helping their child practice daily, while keeping it fun! The teacher gives the assignments, but the parent leads the practice sessions at home.
Playing with others in group class, using social settings to inspire students and teach musical skills. During group class, students will play songs together, learn music theory, arrange pieces together, and perform for each other. During the school year, group classes are scheduled once every 4-6 (instead of your regular lesson).
Having an acoustic piano for the student to practice on daily. (An “acoustic piano” is any full-sized piano that makes sound without electricity; it is not plugged into the wall and it does not have batteries.)
Performing in recitals 2-3 times a year. We currently share recitals with the Fort Worth Suzuki School Strings students.
Learning to be effective Suzuki parents. This involves taking the Parent Orientation and learning several of the Suzuki songs on the piano. The teacher walks you through this whole process. (The parent attends the first 2-4 lessons without the child, so the parent can be fully prepared to start at-home practice once the child begins lessons.)

Sample Lessons to Watch

My former colleagues at Wheaton College Community School of the Arts (Wheaton, IL) recorded a few lessons so families can get an idea what to expect with Suzuki lessons. Most studios had 2 pianos at the college, which was lovely! I have just one piano in my house, and that works quite well also.

Beginner Lesson taught by Noretta Singley, my former colleague

Intermediate Lesson taught by Eurydice Choi, my former colleague

Advanced Lesson taught by Marilyn Andersen, my Suzuki trainer

Want to learn more about the Suzuki Method?

Check out the Suzuki Association website.

Is The Suzuki Method a good fit for my family?

How much do lessons cost?

Check out our Tuition page.