Music has the power to inspire and transform lives, and learning to play the violin or viola is a journey that can be incredibly rewarding. At Cambridge Music Consortium (CMC) we pride ourselves on the exceptional quality and experience of our instructors. Our teachers are highly qualified and passionate about teaching and performing. They operate their own independent studios, each with their unique teaching methods and practices, making it a rich tapestry of learning experiences for students.
We're dedicated to helping you make the right choice between traditional violin and Suzuki violin, offering lessons for both violin and viola, as well as Suzuki violin and viola. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between these two approaches to help you make an informed decision.
Suzuki Violin and Viola
Suzuki violin and viola instruction are based on the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that "every child can learn." Music is a language and Suzuki method instruction is based on how children learn to speak. Listening and learning by ear are an important component. CMC is pleased to offer Suzuki violin and viola lessons for those who are interested in this approach.
Suzuki instruction involves a nurturing and supportive environment, with parents actively participating in their child's musical education, this allows students to begin at a much younger age. Children can begin lessons as early as 4 years old. Private lessons, as well as group lessons and regular recitals are integral to the Suzuki method, as a way to solidify skills and promote a sense of community, support and motivation among students.
Traditional Violin and Viola
Traditional violin and viola instruction follows an individualized approach.
One of key distinctions between traditional instruction vs Suzuki instruction is that the the parent is usually not involved in the child’s study. Students work one-on-one with their instructors, allowing for a personalized repertoire and approach to their specific needs and goals. Most students starting tradition lessons will begin at a later age and because of this, note reading is usually introduced right from the beginning of instruction. Instructors can adapt their teaching styles to accommodate the unique learning pace and preferences of each student.
Choosing the Right Path
The decision between traditional violin and Suzuki violin ultimately depends on your goals, age, and learning style. Here are a few considerations to help you make an informed choice:
Age: Suzuki violin is particularly well-suited for young beginners, usually between the ages of 4 & 6, while traditional instruction usually begin a bit later.
Learning Style: Do you prefer one-on-one lessons with a personalized curriculum (traditional) or a more communal learning experience with group lessons (Suzuki)?
Parental Involvement: If you're a parent seeking to support your child's musical journey, Suzuki instruction might be a great fit.
Contact Us
At CMC, we understand that choosing between traditional and Suzuki violin instruction can be a significant decision. If you need help with placement or have general inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can click here for more information or reach us by phone at 617-519-9296. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in making the right choice, and we're excited to embark on this musical journey with you.