Two Violins, One Concerto...A Loving Bond: A Mother-Daughter Suzuki Violin Experience
Feb 05 '08 (Updated Dec 08 '08)
The Bottom Line Suzuki method inspired both my daughter and me to learn the violin, and against all odds, play a difficult violin concerto together--proving that love is an invaluable teaching tool!
For awhile now I've been reflecting on the path upon which Suzuki violin lessons have taken my daughter and me. My daughter recently celebrated her Book Four Recital, which means she graduated from one of the most significant learning challenges in her Suzuki violin studies. She is nine years old. During her recital, she played a number of technically difficult pieces including two Seitz Concerto movements, a Vivaldi concerto Allegro, a Mozart duet and the piece which brings tears to my eyes, the Concerto for Two Violins, Vivace, by J.S. Bach. More about the tears in a minute...
Suzuki Music Lessons--The Philosophy of Talent Education in Action
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki was a remarkable Japanese man who had an epiphany about children and talent education. Suzuki believed that if all children could learn their native language easily and fluently by the age of three, that many other talents could be taught by the "mother tongue method". The mother tongue method refers to the way children learn their native language--by listening and repeating to their teachers (family, friends) over and over again, until they become fluent. Suzuki reasoned that learning a musical instrument could be taught with the same paradigm--listening and repetition of skills until they are mastered by the student. Talent education, therefore, assumes that all children can learn the violin--they just need the proper exposure and nurturing.
Suzuki's method differs in several ways from traditional instrument studies. First of all, Suzuki advocated that children could begin learning to play music from a very young age (as young as two), whereas mainstream instrument lessons often begin in the latter part of elementary school. Second is the high level of parental involvement. When my daughter began Suzuki violin lessons at age four, I thought I would just drop her off and pick her up from lessons. Little did I realize that Suzuki lessons require a tremendous amount of input from the parent, who becomes the surrogate teacher at home. I was expected to actively take part in her lessons and learn exactly what she was learning--how to hold the violin, how to hold the bow, and how to finger the notes.
As a former flautist, I had a good deal of experience with reading music and performance. But I had no idea where Suzuki lessons would ultimately lead my daughter and me. First of all, I began to get intrigued with her tiny violin, and started playing it while she was away at school. It took awhile, but soon I was hooked and my daughter finally said "Get your Own Violin, Mom!" So I did, and started taking lessons with her.
Practicing Blues...
If your child is taking music lessons, you probably deal with practice issues on a daily or weekly basis. Suzuki teachers are full of games and techniques to encourage practice, and some work better than others. The most rewarding aspect of my Suzuki experience has been my engagement with the teacher and involvement in my daughter's progress. I have been able to learn with her and teach her at the same time-- which as led to some intense conflict at times, but also to one of the greatest joys and achievements we have earned--the ability to play the Bach Double Concerto together.
The Bach Double Concerto for Two Violins
The Bach Double is a challenging piece of music by any standard. It is often played in professional venues, and abundant recordings are available. The Second Violin part is introduced as the final song in the Book Four repertoire, and is a student's crowing achievement at that point. In order to play the Bach Double with a modicum of speed and agility, the violinist must become adept at shifting, which involves moving your left hand up and down the fingerboard, especially to achieve higher notes or more complicated note patterns.
I am not exaggerating when I say that we practiced this piece of music, both apart and together, for a minimum of four months before we were able to perform it at her recital. Our teacher insisted that each of us memorize our parts (I played the First Violin part, found in Book Five repertoire). The two of us nearly abandoned ship many times--our tempos varied, our counting was off, our intonation was wildly askew at times. And both mother and daughter required attitude adjustments as often as string tune-ups! But, we persisted, and I can still taste the sweet success as we performed the Bach Double together, for friends and family, this past Saturday. No, I didn't play perfectly--I even fumbled a line or two. But our persistence paid off, as I told the audience, "This piece requires a lot of love between a mother and daughter--when you hear our duet, you will understand why". Truly, our performance was strengthened by love, and our love was strengthened by playing together.
In conclusion, I hope my essay has given parents a taste of what Suzuki music lessons can bring to a child and family. Indeed, it is only a smigeon of the overall experience, but I wanted to capture it on paper while the moment was still real in my mind. Suzuki lessons are taught for violin, piano, flute, guitar and other instruments. If you're interested in Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy, one of his many books is entitled Ability Development From Age Zero. I recommend it! I also recommend reading To Learn with Love: A Companion for Suzuki Parents by William and Constance Starr.
The hallmark of a good Suzuki teacher is their rapport with young students, as well as good standing with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The other essential ingredient in your child's learning is YOU! Your love, your patience, and your perseverance through the maze of challenges and triumphs will determine your child's success, as well as forge a bond between you that is priceless.
Suzuki Violin Reviews and Essays:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars: Suzuki Violin School Volume 1
Beautiful Tone, Beautiful Heart: Suzuki Violin School Volume 2
Note Reading for Beginners: I Can Read Music by Joanne Martin
SmartMusic Software: Play Suzuki violin songs along with your computer at any speed!
© Jenniferkateab (JKA) 2008
keywords: suzuki, violin, method, child, learn with love, twinkle, music education, mother tongue, experience, review
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Member: Jennifer
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Happiness is when your thoughts, your words, and your actions are in harmony.~M_Ghandi
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