Suzuki Method is not Inferior to Classical Methods

by Joe
(Detroit, MI, USA)

I was trained in the cello using the Suzuki method. I began my training at the age of 1½ years old. I feel that the Suzuki training method has helped me to develop an ear for music far superior to a traditional musical education. I also feel that the method involves the parents much more than the traditional teaching method. While obviously the Suzuki method emphasizes aural teaching more than traditional note-reading, I do not feel that my ability to read music was adversely affected by the fact that I was taught using the Suzuki method; once I reached the age when note-reading became important, I learned to read music and feel that I do so at least as well as my more classically-trained colleagues. I feel that in terms of musicality, interpretation, etc., the Suzuki method had no drawbacks in comparison to a more traditional teaching method. Most of the musicians that were trained by the Suzuki method that I am acquainted with play with the same amount of musicality if not more so than other more traditionally trained musicians.