Getting Started

Observations

All students and parents are required to observe another lesson in addition to their own once a month. This may be fulfilled during the monthly group lesson, but preferably in addition to.

Observations are one of the unique features of the Suzuki method. They serve as one of the most effective tools of learning and motivation there is. Seeing another child taking a lesson reinforces the child's concept of both how to take a lesson and how much fun it is to play the piano.

Often, children learn a great deal while being in a more passive role in the environment. Even if your child does not seem to be paying attention, he is absorbing just being in a place where music is foremost. Children have “laser beam” concentration. Because their minds are not cluttered with mundane worries, when they are paying attention for even a few minutes, they absorb what they see and hear. A child can learn an enormous amount in just a few minutes of concentrated observing. So, don't expect your child to necessarily pay attention every second. By being in the environment for an extra 30 minutes or more, he is given the chance for several short bursts of learning.

Though not always possible, it is ideal to schedule observations and group lessons with students of similar level. In this way, observing children may be invited to get involved, either as a listener or to play a duet. This is an important opportunity for the child to learn in a slightly different role. The more ways to learn we can offer the student, the more he can use his individual learning style to progress.

Besides listening to the professional recordings, Observations are one of the most effective approaches to learning.