Suzuki child... to teacher?

I was a hyperactive child. My mother tried desperately to tire me out with endless exercises that I loved: swimming, ballet, tap, drama, jazz, activity camps... and in the midst of all this, the violin.

I was a Suzuki child. I began learning the violin at age 5 with the help of my mother and teacher. This method is aimed at young children and encourages the young mind to grow with not only the musical skills they learn, but also life skills. As I grew up, I learnt discipline and concentration, confidence and dexterity. I attribute much of this to the Suzuki method and the violin. Learning the violin is a difficult task. But I look back on my experience with the utmost enjoyment and fondness, as the method is built soley on encouragement and love.

The Suzuki Method to me will always embody a strong sense of community and family. Because of the way in which it is taught – nurturing by love – these characteristics are strengthened for all those involved, with encouragement and praise always readily available. My musical education on the violin has definitely been a team effort, starting first with my mother and my primary teachers, and being bolstered by the teachers I have worked with on these music courses, and the support and love of the whole Suzuki family that I feel I am part of.

I am a Suzuki teacher. I believe in music. Everyone, everywhere, listens to music; most will even say they love it. As a musician I have experienced many different methods and types of music education, and all are valid, and to experience them all at some point during my career was necessary. However, it is my memories of the fun I had at the beginning of my musical experience that has propelled me to want to continue. Through the Suzuki method, I see whole families enjoy the journey that mine has experienced. I have always wanted others to have the wonderful experience I had, and I wholly enjoy making experience happen.

I was a Suzuki child. And now, I am honoured to be a Suzuki teacher.