The Toledo Symphony School of Music FAQs
Q: IS SUZUKI JUST FOR PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A CAREER IN MUSIC?
A: No. We aim, through the development of excellent musical skills, to nurture character sensitivity, creative expression, and discipline, which will stand a person in good stead no matter what their ultimate path in life.
Q: Do Suzuki students learn to read music?
A: Yes. Reading is taught after basic playing skills, good posture and good tone have been mastered. Exactly the same process is found in the language ability of primary school children.
Q: Is it musical to play in large groups?
A: Definitely! Playing in a large group does not take away a student’s individual voice, it teaches important teambuilding and ensemble skills. Professional groups often find this to be one of the hardest skills to master.
Q: How young can students start?
A: Children as young as 2 are encouraged to take lessons. The Suzuki Method is specifically designed for young students’ attention spans, helping them grow through music.
Q: What is the Suzuki philosophy?
A: Developed by Japanese educator Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki method believes that all students can develop their abilities in music if they learn through a “mother tongue” approach, based on the means by which young children learn their first language. The method prioritizes parental involvement, imitation, repetition, listening, and learning in individual and group settings.