Open for In-Person & Remote Lessons
Call 919-251-9401 or email us at [email protected] ​​  

Suzuki Lessons

HSSM is proud to have two certified Suzuki instructors on staff. Below is a personal note from one of our Suzuki Instructors, ​​Gabriela Potter​, about the Suzuki method. 
BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF THE SUZUKI APPROACH Violinist and teacher Shinichi Suzuki developed what is known today as the “Suzuki Method” after he realized that children all over the world learn to speak their native tongues effortlessly. Through my Suzuki Association of the Americas approved training and teaching experience, I have adopted the Suzuki philosophy that every child can learn to play a musical instrument. Some key components to the success of this approach include: 
  • An Early Beginning
    The early years of development are most crucial for both muscle coordination and ear training. The Suzuki approach starts children with formal lessons and music appreciation as early as possible. It is important to note that although starting musical training at an early age is beneficial, we believe that one is never too old to begin.
  • Parent Involvement
    The Suzuki Triangle is the symbol used to show that the teacher, the parent, and the child are all necessary to the learning process. Each is equally important and each needs to be able to work together and support one another.
    Therefore, parents should attend lessons, take notes on what to practice, and serve as their child’s at-home teacher. The parent should understand the basics of the instrument in order to do so with confidence.
  • Listening and Repetition
    Just as your child learned to speak by hearing thousands of words daily, your child can learn music by listening every day. Repetition is essential when learning how to play an instrument. The CD that accompanies the Suzuki books, when listened to daily, makes practicing and attending lessons more successful and enjoyable! For online recordings, I recommend the CadenzaStringsNC YouTube account.
  • Positive Environment
    It is constant praise and encouragement that makes this approach most successful. Although Suzuki taught that every child can learn and develop musicality, I also believe that each child learns at his or her own rate. My teaching style incorporates praise and new challenges in each lesson. As the parent or guardian, you are always encouraged to praise your child, but please allow the teacher to offer corrections and instruction during lessons, as this will prevent confusion.

GROUP CLASSES Dr. Suzuki believed the joy of learning music should be shared throughout the community. Therefore, students of this approach participate in regularly scheduled group classes where they have the opportunity to practice performing in front of and alongside their peers, and practice supporting one another. Group classes also encourage memorization of repertoire for easier daily practicing and future performing.