Observations
Observation
Observation is an integral part of the Suzuki approach. All students begin their Suzuki training with weekly observations before committing to Suzuki Lessons. Once lessons begin, students continue to observe weekly or as often as their teacher requires. Below are some guidelines to help your observation process more valuable.
Observation before Enrolling
Parents and prospective students are asked to observe a minimum of four times before deciding to enroll in my program.
This allows both parent and child to understand the Suzuki program and see the teacher at work.
Most Suzuki students remain with a teacher for many years, so this observation period gives parents and students a chance to find out if they like the teacher and want to study using the Suzuki method.
Families may observe private, group classes and studio recitals. During observation, parents, children and teachers determine a child's interest and readiness to participate in the program.
Pre-Requisite before Scheduling Your First Observation
Once all the songs in Suzuki Piano Book 1 are familiar to you and your child by listening to recording at least 2 weeks, then schedule your observation. This way, observation will be happier and meaningful experience for you and your child.
Guidelines for Observers at the Studio
Bring your child with you.
Observation is the perfect time to determine your child’s interest and readiness.
During observation, please keep your child respectfully quiet so as not to distract the students taking lessons.
If you child does become restless, please leave quietly and return at a time when your child is more focused.
Stay only as long as your child is interested. You may leave quietly at any time.
You may also come alone.
You can sit or stand anywhere you can see keyboard and hands
without interfering with the lesson.
The teacher will usually not be able to talk with you during observation since the time is reserved for the children and parents who are taking the lesson.
You may wish to talk with other parents outside of the teaching room.
Please observe what’s happening following my guidelines
which will be provided for you at each lesson. Please give your feedback via e-mail. All observations are free of charge.
Observation after Enrolling
Since children learn from each other it is important to continue observation once lessons start. Beginning students will have others in their small group to watch.
In addition, they are welcome to observe older, more experienced players.
Hearing a student who is playing beautiful music, observing the steps to mastering those pieces and broadening one's knowledge of piano music can be highly motivating.
Whenever possible, students at the same age and level are scheduled at coordinating times
during the week to make the most of this important facet of Suzuki instruction.
Once enrolled in the Suzuki program, students should try to observe one or two lessons each week on a regular basis.
Music Theory, Reading, and Enrichment
Children learn to read written language once they have mastered basic language skills. Likewise, Suzuki students begin to learn to read music once they have established basic playing skills.
This is at the teacher’s discretion and usually begins once the students play hands together well with correct body balance.
Suzuki piano students are encouraged to play music theory games to help prepare them for and help them with music reading and understanding.