Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if my child is interested?

Ask your child. After the first observation, some children are anxious to begin and others may not have a strong reaction either way. If your child seems interested, come observe again.

Can you give me some guidelines to decide if my child is ready?

A child who is ready to begin the Suzuki method:

• Enthusiastic interest in learning to play.
• Ability to concentrate and focus on learning a task
• Willingness to take instruction from the teacher and parent.
• Enough time in the parent and child’s schedules to devote to study piano consistently.

Is my child too young to begin?

Some children are ready to begin at three or four years of age. They can follow directions, focus for short periods and practice at home willingly. It can be a joyful experience because it is something the child wants to do. If you child is not ready yet, wait and let maturity come naturally. There is no hurry to begin.

Is my child too old for Suzuki lessons?

Since all children are unique, the time for each child to begin varies. Even adults can study Suzuki method. Dr. Suzuki said, “Let’s begin, for you are younger today than you will be tomorrow.”

What sort of time commitment should I expect if we enroll?

Practicing: Each day you will need to set aside focused, relaxed and uninterrupted time to spend with your child. It is helpful if this is a time when your child is alert and interested. At first your child may spend only a short time with the instrument several times a day. Just be sure to practice repeatedly each day. As your child progresses into the middle of Book 1, plan for thirty minutes or more for the home lesson. This will extend to forty-five minutes and eventually one hour or more each day. Longer practice times should be broken down in to two or more sessions. You may also need some practice time for yourself.

Saturated Hearing/Listening: I recommend that the recording be played constantly all day and all night. This is best played quietly as background music during waking-up, meals, playtime, in the car, and when falling asleep at night. It is parent's responsibility as the home teacher (parent) to put on recording. It’s not something that you discuss with your child.

Lessons: As your child’s attention increases, your lesson time will be thirty, forty-five, or sixty minutes. You should continue to observe other lessons weekly and participate in an enrichment course.

Play-ins, group lessons, informal recitals, recitals, home concerts, parent discussion groups, workshops and summer institutes: These opportunities may be scheduled throughout the year to enrich your experience and may change from year to year.

How do I start observations?

Purchase Suzuki Piano Book 1 recording and have you and your child listen at least for 2 weeks to be familiar before scheduling your first observation via e-mail or phone.

How many times must my child and I observe before we can start lessons?

Parents and prospective students are asked to observe a minimum of four times before enrolling in my studio. The observation time is an ongoing process. Once students start observing, they continue throughout their Suzuki study. Please observe at least a minimum four times before formal instruction can begin. However, most students observe weekly for many months before a spot opens. Should you and your child commit to the program, you should plan on observing weekly. After a month or so of regular observation, you may schedule an interview with me to see if your child is ready and if there is availability. If it is not the right time to begin lessons for your child, you should continue to observe weekly as it is an important part of Suzuki study.

I’ve been observing for almost a year, why can’t my child start lessons yet?

There are many reasons for a delay in starting lessons. The child may not be ready to begin, there may not be a space that is open, or your schedule may not permit you to come during the time when the teacher has an opening. Please be patient and continue observing.

I believe my child is ready for lessons, but the teacher disagrees. How does the teacher know if my child is ready for lessons?

The teacher has spent many years and hours with different students and are experts in the field of instruction. The teacher knows what qualities and maturity level are needed for formal study. If you have questions regarding your child’s readiness, you may discuss this with the teacher during a scheduled interview.

I really want to do this, but my child does not seem ready. Do you have any suggestions?

• Do not rush your child into lessons if he or she needs time to mature. If study begins too early, the experience can be difficult at best. Although your child may be very bright and musical, there is no hurry to begin. Many successful Suzuki parents and students have taken the following path before beginning lessons.
• Continue to observe weekly lessons with your child.
• Read the two recommended books by Dr. Suzuki: 'Nurtured by Love' and 'Ability Development from Age Zero'.
• Purchase the CD for Suzuki Book 1 and begin playing it daily.
• Make copies of the recording for the car, kitchen, and your child’s room.
• Take the Parent Orientation class.
• Enrich your home with music and musical activities.
• Enroll in one of Levine’s Early Childhood and Elementary Music classes.
• Delay lessons until your child is ready to ensure willingness and understanding.

If we do not begin now will we lose our chance?

Your child’s interest and readiness should determine the time to begin. Spaces become available periodically and are almost always found for interested students. Parents should continue to observe and prepare their children for study while waiting for a space to open.

I like the Suzuki approach a great deal, but I don’t think this approach will work with our lifestyle. What are my options?

Studying a musical instrument takes time and commitment from both the child and the parents. However, you may find traditional method is more appropriate.