The Suzuki program in Prosper ISD began in the fall of 2016 and is housed at Jackson Elementary, Johnson Elementary and Windsong Ranch Elementary.  Students in grades Kindergarten through 5th learn to play the violin the Suzuki way!  What is the Suzuki way? 

What is the Suzuki method?
“The Mother Tongue Method”

Shinichi Suzuki developed a method to teach young children how to play musical instruments employing the same series of skills the child used to learn his or her native language.

Parent Involvement The parents are an essential part of the learning process and are considered to be the child’s “home teachers.” The Suzuki parent attends the weekly private lesson at school and works with the child at home.

Individualized Instruction
Because each child receives a weekly private lesson, the Suzuki teacher creates an individualized learning plan for every student. The student is free to learn at his or her own pace, as long as consistent and dedicated practice is happening at home.

Listening
Just as children are surrounded by the sound of their language, Suzuki students are surrounded by the sounds of their instrument. Suzuki families listen to recordings diligently to help develop the child’s ear.

Positive Environment
The central belief to the method is that every child can learn to play an instrument. The Suzuki parent and teacher work together to create a positive, encouraging environment for the child. Dr. Suzuki said, “Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.”

Music Literacy
Children who learn to play a musical instrument using the Suzuki method develop both the ability to play by ear and to read written music.

Community
Suzuki students participate in weekly group classes to enjoy making music with their peers. Every Suzuki student in the world learns the same pieces in the same order, so coming together to play or perform is easy and natural. Recitals and community performances are frequent, and students develop a sense of belonging within the Suzuki family.