Shirk Music Studio

I taught "traditional" piano lessons for 25 years before pursuing Suzuki registered training. Although I love to apply as many Suzuki principles as possible to any student's lesson, I also have a very strong background in more traditional methods, books, and resources. I believe that there is not one "magic" method that works for every student and every situation, but the ability to pull the best parts from the different methods and philosophies makes for the most flexible and comprehensive approach possible. I love to apply Suzuki principles to a traditional student's lesson, as well as some "traditional" principles with the Suzuki student's lesson. This is why most of my lessons are more of a hybrid approach, in order to best serve the individual needs of each student.

Suzuki isn't really a "method" as much as it is a philosophy. Every child is capable. Talent can be taught! As long as there is a desire, and as long as there is cooperation between the teacher, student, and parent, and as long as the teacher's instructions are being followed and goals understood and met, Every Child Can!

The Suzuki method is all about introducing music as a language (because that's what it is!) to children at as young an age as possible. One hallmark of the method is focusing on listening. Listen to the pieces you are about to learn. But also listen to other pieces, other styles of music, other instruments and genres. That's how you learn the language! If you wanted to learn German, you could study books all day long and learn how to read and write the words in German, but if you ever went to Germany and tried to speak, you'd be laughed at! How could you possibly learn a new language without hearing it? You need to hear how words are pronounced, you need to hear the inflections, and you need to hear the nuances of the language. The same with music. You can read the notes, but you can play like a typewriter, with no nuance or feeling to the music. We must hear the language of music if we want to play it!

Another important part of the Suzuki method is parent involvement. The younger the child, the more involved the parent is, observing lessons, taking notes, and supporting the student at home to meet all of the goals of the lesson. This doesn't necessarily mean "teaching" the student at home, but just having a better understanding of what the teacher said, and guiding the student at home to meet all of the lesson's goals. 

Although the Suzuki method encourages students to start learning to make music from a young age (sometimes as young as 3 or 4!), students of any age can benefit from the principles of the Suzuki method in learning to play the piano. If you have any questions, or wish to start a new student with the Suzuki method, please ask!