The Suzuki Method

Teaching Better and Faster in the Suzuki Style

As certified Suzuki instructors, Debra and Barry Bounous will help your child learn the fundamentals of music in a better, faster way. Becoming certified in the Suzuki Method requires extra and ongoing training ... and is a unique advantage Debra and Barry offer your child.

The Suzuki Method

When Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the founder and author of Suzuki Talent Education, was asked why he taught, his reply went something like this: "First there is the love of the child; second, the love of teaching the child; and third, the love of the music being taught to the child – but the child always comes first."

In accordance with this philosophy, all aspects of the Suzuki Method are designed to fit the individual needs of each student. Suzuki believes that only by teaching children in a manner compatible with the way they learn – naturally – can we nurture them to become persons of exceptional ability and good character. Dr. Suzuki's most famous quote is: "Where love is deep, much can be accomplished."

Children and Suzuki Singing

A key element of Dr. Suzuki's philosophy is that the potential for every child is unlimited. Developing that potential begins early – at age 0! Parents can help create a musically rich environment by beginning prenatally and continuing to nurture the singing voice through quality listening and singing. As singing continues to be an integral part of the family, this form of self expression instills self-confidence, creativity and joy! It is never too early and NEVER too late to begin!

Children Learn by Listening First

All children learn to speak their native language by listening to the sounds of that language. Even before birth they begin listening. A-baby's auditory system is fully developed by the sixth month of pregnancy. By the time they are born, babies have had significant listening practice - from listening to their mother's heart beat to the "exterior" sounds of the environment like mom's and dad's voices. Music can be effectively taught in this way because, like the spoken language, the primary focus of music is sound.

Children Learn by Imitating Superior Examples

Suzuki singing teachers accept the serious task of nurturing exceptional ability and good character in every child. They know that children accurately reflect the virtues and faults of their models so they strive to present parents and children with the finest possible example of musicianship and attitude. For the Suzuki singing teacher this means extensive practice and research of the materials they give their students. It also means continuing to build their own teaching skills through educational programs.

Children Learn by Working in Small Steps and Mastering Each One

Suzuki Singing involves nurturing each child's total development one step at a time. This is accomplished through singing traditional folk songs, and playing a variety of music games. Listening, movement, vocal exploration and dramatic play are key elements in helping the child feel, express, and sing the music deeply and joyfully. Through repetition, the child develops solid, internalized ability.

Children Learn by Working with Parents at Home

Like a growing plant, a child left unattended through his or her critical growing stages will surely develop poorly. Suzuki singing teachers work closely with parents to prepare each one to be a good singing role model for their child; thus, helping the parents to establish a nurturing home environment for development to take place.

Children Learn by Working with Others

Suzuki emphasizes cooperation and respect over competition. In beginning singing, children and parents are taught in small groups— learning to sing and blend together. They develop listening and ensemble skills and as they become comfortable with their own singing voice they sing solo's. This occurs naturally when the student is ready. Because all Suzuki singing students learn the same repertoire— they often perform together. Dr. Suzuki believes the spirit of cooperation extends beyond music lessons into the family's everyday life and ultimately out into the world.

Children Learn by Developing Sight Singing Skills at an Early Time

One of the goals of Suzuki music education is to train young musicians to be musically literate. The Suzuki singing program develops musical literacy within the child as easily and naturally as
learning to speak the native language. Singing skill is developed by using an instructional method called"Tonic Solfa" (using syllables to represent pitch). From this method, the student learns to sing by sight.

The Suzuki Association of Utah (SAU)

Barry and Debra Bounous are leading members of The Suzuki Association of Utah, a professional organization of many dedicated music teachers and families devoted to enriching people's lives through music. Created in 1977 the association provides an environment for growth through educational and performance opportunities. Utah is fortunate to have trained Suzuki teachers for voice, violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, harp and guitar. Membership offers a variety of benefits and activities for the enrichment of all its teachers, parents and students ... including an early childhood music program using the voice as the foundation instrument.