Most families will begin Suzuki lessons not with their child, but alone.
By taking anywhere from one to six lessons solo, the parent becomes a more adept at-home teacher for their new violinist.
Parents are expected to take all or part of their child’s lessons until they reach Twinkle level, which may take weeks or months, largely dependent on practice length and frequency. While Daisy does not directly teach adults, she can continue to give casual instruction as you follow along with your child. She can also direct you to other teachers who can help you progress on your own violin journey.
The child’s first lesson will be split between parent and child. This is an opportunity for the child to observe how their new teacher will help in a hands-on manner.
In the child’s first lesson, they can expect to be fitted for a violin in the correct size.
Their first lesson tasks will consist of practicing rhythms without touching the instrument. They may also be taught how to pick up and put down the instrument with care.
While these early activities may seem very simple, there is always a deeper purpose in Suzuki – we must instil a deep respect for the instrument and the lesson space if we are to see success in more complex tasks.
The speed in which the new student progresses is dependent on many factors. While some children find it easier to match a rhythm or pitch, and some find it easier to follow instructions, the vast majority of progress is determined by practice.
How you practice matters. Practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes permanent. Generally, you will be instructed to focus on physical set up and posture over any other skill.
The way you give corrections can make or break your practice relationship with your child. This is a long-haul activity you’ve chosen, and should be treated as such. Your teacher will guide you towards peaceful practice methods. They can offer anything from small semantic changes that benefit children, to entire scripts for use in the practice room.
It is expected that all new students practice every day, ideally including lesson days. We see best results in families who commit to this as if they will do it for the rest of their lives.
In the first few weeks, the child will learn how to hold the violin in rest and playing position, and how to play a song using only pizzicato (plucking). This begins to shape the left hand and prepare it for placing fingers on the strings down the line.
They will also learn how to hold the bow, but will not yet hold both parts of the instrument at the same time. It will be several weeks before the child is ready to place the bow on the strings.
While it is normal for children and their parents to feel a strong urge to move ahead of what has been taught, it is vital that they only go as far as has been done in the lesson. This is for the student’s physical ability and teacher’s trust in their ability to follow instructions. After all, you’re not just learning how to play the violin – you’re learning how to learn. This journey is best taken with an expert to guide you each step of the way.
Students who fail to adhere to the teacher’s instruction commonly find a short surge in progress, followed by a sharp dip in physical ability and a period of regression while they pick up skills that were not yet developed enough for the advanced technique attempted.
If you or your child feel you are not being given enough material to practice, always communicate this in person or via email before taking matters into your own hands.
Students commonly undergo many months of lessons before they are permitted to use the bow and fingers on the strings at the same time. For older beginners (10+) they may reach this point after six weeks. It is not uncommon for young beginners (6 and under) to take many months.
It is common for young beginners who practice the minimum of four times weekly to spend a year on pre-twinkle material and a year on twinkles. It’s common for young beginners who practice daily to reach the twinkles in their first year of study.
There is no standard timeline for completing book 1. Anywhere from 4-7 years is considered normal when practicing the minimum of four times weekly. This can be shortened significantly with daily practice.
Sprouting Strings 