The Suzuki Academy of Los Angeles

Music has transformed my life in ways I could have never imagined. I started piano via the Suzuki Method when I was three years old. Grant it, my parents said all I would do at my lessons was press a note here and there, and run around the room like your typical tot, but I always felt there was something special about learning a classical instrument.

Before walking into the Suzuki Academy and expecting your child to come out a virtuoso, there are a few important things you should know:

In classical music, the art is itself very refined. Listening, imitating and repeating composes the philosophy of the Suzuki method. Dr. Suzuki, the founder of the Suzuki Method, believes that

“Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited".

I speak first hand when I say, learning music is really like learning a language. No age is too young to start. I mean, you begin talking to your unborn child when it’s in your womb, right? There is always this fine line between making a child practice, pushing a child to play and wanting them to gravitate toward their own developed interests. But let’s face it, even adults still struggle with identifying their interests.

When thinking of learning music in terms of learning a language, infusing it would seem most natural from a very early age. You will never stop speaking to a child, right? You’ll always correct them in a nurturing way should they be saying a word incorrectly, right? You will take the time and show them what the letters are, what their numbers are, won’t you?

The Suzuki method follows this very practice and definitely requires parental involvement and love, along with the basics of listening to the language of music and repeating it while you master it a little at a time. In the Suzuki method, a parent learns alongside the student. Setting a good example is the essential part of learning anything.

My daughter Capri began taking lessons when she was 2 and a half. At four years old, she still doesn’t know how to play one piece. Nope. (gasp) But the things she has learned are profound for a 4 year old. She has a perfect bow hold and form, she can name all the parts of the violin, she knows how to read notes, and she can identify the types of notes that equals rhythm.

Mastering the fundamentals of the violin (standing, bow hold, fingering, etc) is the MOST IMPORTANT PART of training. THIS alone will set you straight for life. Your muscles will memorize everything, and there will be no ‘wrong” lessons to undo. Once this is learned, learning becomes very rapid.

Like everything…the ability of her success depends on how much time I am willing as a parent to vest in it. It also has everything to do with how motivating and patient the teacher is. Capris violin teacher who founded The Suzuki Academy of LA with a location in Sherman Oaks is the most amazing teacher I have ever experienced. He comes to the lessons very well dressed (a bonus) and he’s patient, motivating and fantastic with kids.

Mr. Armando comes prepared to class with a bag of tricks. Even if that means using blocks and finger puppets. Setting his students up for success is what you’ll gather most from Mr. Armando. Every week a student is expected to be right on time. Once a month there is a group lesson to give children a chance to perform for each other. There are two informal recitals for a year, and two formal recitals a year following a reception. The reception was my favorite part as a kid. Go figure.

At the Suzuki Academy, you always feel as if you’re a part of something really special. The same feeling I had as a kid. Building a house with a strong foundation is essential for creating a strong, long lasting home. It’s the same with music. A strong grasp of the foundation will set you up for life. It will also make learning other instruments a breeze. To date, I play 5 instruments. It’s like being multi-lingual. You learn once and everything gets easier and easier.

The Suzuki Method has become a way in my family. It’s about discipline, integrity and practice. After all, the best things in life are worth working for.

If you are interested in dropping in to observe a lesson or if you have any questions, please DM me directly or call the Suzuki Academy of Sherman Oaks. They currently offer both private violin and piano lessons for all ages.