The Parent Point Of View
In our Suzuki pedagogy, we have an important element called 'parent education'. That is, we believe that the learning environment is not only what the school has to offer with excellent teachers, but also what is the home learning environment where the parent is the practicing "partner" or "home teacher." In order for parents to receive understanding of their role as Suzuki parents, we offer a parent information session every first Thursday of the month. This is a parent zoom session where new and current families can come to ask questions and learn more about the Suzuki pedagogy. But this is not all that we offer.
Last October we held a week long "Learning Triangle Week" where parents were encouraged to be the focus of lessons. We hold MU curriculum evenings to explain our Musicianship program and the skills that each level develops. By integrating the parents into each weekly lesson, the parents learn more about the process of absorbing new information and developing skills in the manner that best suits their own child. This working together is essential but also invaluable to the long journey of raising intelligent and talented children. We believe that Suzuki educators work in partnership with parents in raising our future citizens and leaders. We know our students go on to become noble and respectful grown ups!
As part of parenting, we realize that it is a huge challenge to raise children in today's conditions. The world is fast-paced and technology has increased expectations that "speed" is equivalent to being the "best." However, that is not always true. The best meals are those in which we may linger at each course and enjoy the flavors and tastes of the meal with friends and family in an atmosphere of enjoyment and leisure. Music can have that same meaningful experience of parents and children, adults and partners, all learning together. I believe more and more that the way to teach beginners is by also teaching the parents to play in the lessons together. Here is a comment from one of our Suzuki School parents:
"Although we were initially hesitant to learn the piano because we believed we were too old to do it, our son Alex's enrollment in SSN's lessons changed everything. The student-parent-teacher learning philosophy was a game-changer for our family. We can now practice and learn an instrument as a family. This experience sets an excellent example for our kids and allows us to understand the challenges Alex is facing, giving us the opportunity to offer support and encouragement. Additionally, we can all discuss how to play a new piece, share tips, and practice together, making the journey enjoyable for everyone. Along the way, we learned transferable skills like focusing while playing/studying in noisy environments and breaking down challenging pieces into smaller, manageable parts. However, we now face a new challenge: one piano is not enough! Everyone, including our 4-year-old daughter, wants to play. Nonetheless, playing together provides a unique bonding experience and a delightful break from forced practice. We are excited to share that we all graduated from Suzuki Piano Book 1, and we hope to continue our musical journey with SSN. We are grateful for the precious opportunity SSN has given us and thank you for everything."--Xiaoqiang, SSN Parent.
In the latest edition of the American Suzuki Journal (available to read in our front lobby) researchers polled parents on their preferred means of communication. The top method was in a direct conversation during a lesson. Is that how you would like to receive more information?
At the Suzuki School we have terrific teachers and staff who are eager to talk with you or arrange a conference. I am happy to arrange 30 minute Zoom calls or meetings to talk over strategies for home practice. We are also presenting "Every Child Can" on three Friday mornings in May for those parents or staff who want to delve deeper into understanding how Suzuki pedagogy works. How confident are you about your home practicing habits and approach? We are here to support you---please let us know.
Sachiko Isihara
