Suzuki 

Citibabes is pleased to introduce Suzuki music to our fall 2009 educational offerings. The similarities between the education mission of Citibabes and the Suzuki Method philosophy are so abundant, that when the opportunity came to offer this special string instruction, we knew it would fit perfectly into the Citibabes community. The Suzuki Method, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, is a process based method of teaching music, primarily string instruments, piano, and flute. Like the education philosophy at Citibabes, the Suzuki Method works to teach children to explore and express themselves in a nurturing and positive environment. Three fundamental principals of Suzuki instruction are:

Mother-Tongue Learning

It might seem quite obvious to expect babies who grew up in Japanese speaking households to grow up to speak Japanese and not, say, German, but it was Dr. Suzuki who applied the concept of learning a native tongue to talent education. By first being encouraged to listen to music in a nurturing environment, children are able to learn technique and expression in their own time with lots of encouragement along the way. We all know children are “little sponges,” but to see the Mother-Tongue learning in action is something to be believed!

The Trinity: Parent, Student, Teacher

Unfortunately, most adults’ early experiences in music instruction involve being forced into lessons, coerced into practice, and frustrated by lack of attention. In a Suzuki environment, the parent, student, and teacher are all equally important. The student has freedom to express and explore, the teacher acts as a guide, and the parent learns on his or her own instrument at the same time as the child in order to be a better “at home” teacher. The importance of a parent experiencing both the frustration of learning something foreign and excitement at the mastery of a skill is elemental to the joy parent and child will share in the journey.

The Law of Ability

Dr. Suzuki believed, as all parents know to be true, that our children have inborn talent. As educators and parents, it is our duty and responsibility to tap into that well of natural learning ability. Through various interaction in group classes, concerts, student recitals, and private lessons, the vast ability of our children can be nurtured to grow.

A Note from the Suzuki Director

The Suzuki Method has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember… literally! I started Suzuki violin when I was two and while getting my degree and pursuing a career as a professional musician in New York City, I continued to teach and apply the Suzuki Method. I’m thrilled to be joining the Citibabes team and to introduce Suzuki instruction to the Citibabes community.

As an educator, I have never set my goals on creating the next prodigy. My excitement and joy come from seeing a parent and child share memorable experiences together through music. In these hectic times full of noise and distraction, every parent has to strike a balance between the quantity vs. the quality of time they spend with their child. Growing up in a single-parent household, I cherished the special time I spent practicing with my mother – and still do! My hope is not to find the next virtuoso, but to plant an appreciation of music that lasts so that my student may grow up and someday enjoy a concert with his or her child.

I encourage interested families to contact me with any questions they might have about Suzuki or private music instruction at Citibabes.

Sincerely,
Jenny Pham

For more information please contact Jenny Pham.