AMTA Meeting - Facts about Suzuki's Talent Education

Teachers view recording of students performing on portable DVD player, and lapbooks about Suzuki, his culture and philosophy.

I had the privilege of hosting a meeting that focused on one of the topics that I am deeply passionate about......and that is Suzuki Education and Philosophy.  Our wonderful guest speakers were Pamela Smith and Robin Blankenship of the Atlanta Area Suzuki Association.  Their discussion was titled, "The Language of Music:  Facts and Fiction about Suzuki's Talent Education".  They had previously given their presentation at the Georgia Music Teachers Association State Conference at the University of West Georgia. (Carlton, GA)  We were so blessed having them to present it here in Augusta!

Suzuki piano and reference books

Here are some of the facts highlighted by Pam and Robin in their presentation and summarized in the info sheets that they gave to each teacher:

*Suzuki is not a method but a philosophy.  Suzuki called it "Talent Education

*Suzuki is not only for the young.  Anybody can learn this way.  The principles apply to students of all ages.

*Though many feel that talent is inborn.....talent can be taught - (Ability Development)

Display of Suzuki Piano School books (volumes 1-7), and reference books that come highly recommended.

*It is fictional that Suzuki students don't learn to read.  The model of language acquisition is applied to reading music.

Conclusion:  The potential of children is unlimited when nurtured in the optimum learning environment.

(left) Robin Blankenship, (middle) Sue Moncrief, (right) Pamela Smith

Kame Hogarth lovingly admires a recording of my students performing.

Principles of Talent Education

*Environment - Natural Learning

*Listening to Music

*Begin Early - Mother Tongue

*Repetition - Ability Development

*Parental Involvement

*Encouragemenent - Positive Reinforcement

*Learn with other children

*Small steps

*Reading instruction follow model of 

language acquistion

*Belief in the potential of all children

This meeting was highly informative.  Many thanks to Pam and Robin (my teacher apprenticeship instructors and mentors) for all of their hard work in delivering this information.  I love how they included the PowerPoint presentation! Got'ta love teachers who are not afraid to go high tech.

A big shout out to my AWESOME students and parents. You did a terrific job with your piano performance and creating your Suzuki lapbooks. (pictured below)  I will be sharing them in January with master teachers coming from Matsumoto, Japan to Atlanta, Georgia!!!  It will be hosted by the Atlanta Area Suzuki Association.  For more information, visit their website!  http://atlantasuzukipiano.org/workshop

Lapbooks displayed at my studio for students to admire each others work.

Close up view 1

Close up view 2