In praise of Parents and Adult Learners

I was recently reminded how vital the role of parents are in Suzuki education. We proclaim that our teaching techniques are very successful and this is largely due to the adult supervision our students receive in their home practice. The Suzuki Triangle―teacher, student and parent―can only work with the commitment, time and energy of the parent. Thank you, parents!

Being a parent is a very difficult task! In our changing world there is so much to navigate. School schedules and activities are constantly changing due to Covid, the snow storm, work schedule conflicts, illness of caregivers―all contribute to the challenges of parenting. For our adult students, the challenge is the same because the source of all of this is lack of time. We are so busy and so often as individuals we sacrifice ourselves so that we may help others. There is a need to find time for oneself and for self-care. Thank you to all of you for finding time for yourselves and for finding time to practice!

Perhaps part of our message to all the parents and adult learners of our school is that we believe in you! One of our Suzuki parents recently shared this comment:

"A decade later, I’ve become the earnest and passionate parent when it comes to the Suzuki method and it has most definitely shaped my parenting, but I only recently realized that it’s not just “every child” that “can”, but also every parent. Even those who approach it with no formal musical background or who were erroneously led to believe they had to be born with a special “gift” to make music. It never occurred to me that without benefit of Suzuki instruction as a child, that even I would develop musical talent and work towards my own more noble heart."

(DW, Suzuki Parent)

I encourage people to read the books Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki and Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin. The Suzuki community is where we all believe that talent is nurtured. Hard work and successful repetition lead to skills that become easy and then effortless. This is perceived as talent, but in truth it is learned skill. Your ability will also grow with time and patience. Yes, every child can―but also every adult can, too!