Excellence
As Suzuki educators we seek to enable excellence in our students at all levels. Starting from the first Twinkle to our advanced students, our music instruction is based upon understanding the learning process that involves encouragement and love from the parent or adult caregiver. Suzuki philosophy believes that this learning triangle creates an environment where our values are being modeled: discipline, respect and caring for others are part of our community that develops human character and a kind heart.
To achieve excellence, educators believe in the importance of effort, time management, and commitment. Dr. Suzuki said:
“Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.”
― Shinichi Suzuki
Placing emphasis on which values one feels is part of education is our responsibility as individuals and critical as parents for raising our children. Making the decisions that will lead our children to achieve excellence can be a challenge. In searching the internet on what people believe is their aspiration for excellence, one sees the desire to be excellent in "every endeavor." I believe that some activities are merely for their enjoyment and for having a taste of learning a new skill, a new language, or a new sport. But true learning comes from deep learning. The ability to delve deeply into a subject, delve deeply into problem solving, or play a musical instrument with excellence requires an effort that is time consuming and focused. Studying music can be pursued with joy, discipline and pleasure because it engages one's creativity, one's whole body and one's intellect. The positive impact of music on the brain is proven through research.
At the Suzuki School, we have a core program that is both nurturing of the student and supportive of the parent's journey in educating their children. Not only do our dedicated teachers work one on one with students, but the context of our classrooms is to bring learning through our peers and to create a bond and friendships. We believe in long-term learning and a commitment that leads to deep learning. This is exemplified through students who stay at the Suzuki School of Newton from preschool or kindergarten age through graduating from high school. One can often learn better while watching another student's learning. To achieve excellence we have music recordings and expert teachers who model the highest level of expectations. Your student can reach this level with steady practice and an investment of time in an environment that promotes excellence.
We achieve excellence and success in teaching music, but also in teaching the value of learning. We are grateful to parents who make the time to attend lessons and classes and who support their children's practicing at home. Individual and group classes allow guided improvements in technique. Our musicianship program teaches ear training and reading that will enable the student to become more independent in teaching themselves new pieces and other repertoire outside of the Suzuki pieces. We do not consider educating our students as entertaining them but rather in providing them with tools that will build their skills as musicians and enable deep learning even for different subjects outside of music.These tools are for their lifetime. This belief is very strong in our school and is applied to all students: every child can achieve excellence when we are modelling our values and priorities. This may mean declining a birthday party invitation in order to attend a regular group class or lesson. This is what it means to educate our children and when given these tools, achieve excellence.
The upcoming Playathon is an event to encourage practicing and raise higher expectations and goals. Our spring recitals will include three Advanced Student Showcase Recitals to share their accomplishments with the broader community that their years of study have led to wonderful accomplishments. Students who have been in our core program for 6 to 8 years often go on to play chamber music and learn very advanced repertoire. Please join us for these many wonderful events coming up in the Spring where our students will share their achievements!
Haydn Gypsy Trio: Rondo played by three Suzuki School of Newton students in 2020.
Sachiko Isihara
Executive Director
Suzuki School of Newton
