Suzuki Violin

Nathan has just completed a 40 week Suzuki Group Violin Course for children aged 3 to 4 years old. The Suzuki method is a method of teaching music conceived and executed by Shin'ichi Suzuki (1898–1998). Very often referred to as the mother tongue method of teaching / learning a language, pre-schoolers as young as 3 years old are capable of learning to play the violin before they can even read. Very much like how babies pick up their mother tongue from listening and mimicking.

I enjoyed learning with Nathan as we attended the violin classes together. He went thru the rigour of daily practice, took part in his very first violin concert, and tasted the fruits of his labour as he slowly managed to play familiar tunes from memory. In the 10 months or so, his class managed to complete the first 9 pieces in Suzuki Book 1 (from Twinkle, Lightly Row... all the way thru to Perpetual Motion). 

I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart. —Shin'ichi Suzuki

In my search for a violin school / teacher for Nathan, I found that there are not that many options available in Singapore. There is only a small group of violin teachers in Singapore, much lesser than the number of piano teachers available. Most teachers only offered classes for children who are about 5 years old and above.

These are the schools that offered violin lessons for children above 3 years old:

1) Mac Music School - children aged 3 years and up start in their Suzuki Group Violin Course. It is a parent accompanied class, class size of max 6 students, both parents and students have to own a violin. Parent learns alongside the child so as to guide him/her in daily practice sessions at home. Follows the Suzuki curriculum. 

2) Mandeville Conservatory of Music - children aged 3 years and up start in their Baby Violin Course. It is a parent accompanied class, class size of max 12 students, both parents and students have to own a violin. Parent learns alongside the child so as to guide him/her in daily practice sessions at home. Follows the Suzuki curriculum.

3) Klassique Musik - individual classes only, no group classes available.

4) Wolfgang Violin Studio - children aged 2 years 9 months and up start in their Baby Beats One program, which I understand to be a music appreciation program. It is a parent accompanied class, class size of max 8 students. After one/two terms, students progress to Baby Beats Two, where they'll actually learn to play the violin. The school has developed their own curriculum, so they do not use the Suzuki books.

5) Violin Lessons Singapore - children aged 3 to adults learn at their own pace with individual or small group coaching. Lessons can be conducted in the comfort of your home, and parents have the option of learning together with their children. 

I decided on a group class for Nathan as I am of the opinion that learning a musical instrument is more fun in a group setting at this age. Nathan is more motivated to practise at home, so he can play the tunes together with his friends in class. Peer motivation is a strong motivator! Individual lessons offer you the flexibility in terms of time (as opposed to group classes that are usually held at a specified time each week), and allows you to progress at your own pace. Most teachers offer trial lessons so you will be in a better position to decide what's best for your child.

As much as Nathan has just completed the group violin course, it is really just the beginning of the journey. I hope that he'll continue enjoying the journey, as he picks up the skill of making music.