progression. Good form and posture on the violin and piano are critical before beginning to play or read music. Good habits are the stepping stone to great playing.

Students begin playing simple songs from memory, for memorization is how all children learn to speak. In the words of Shinichi Suzuki the founder of the Suzuki Method of Instruction, “The ability to memorize … is one of the most important abilities that human beings must develop.”   Memorization is key to progressing into musicality and helps exercise and develop the mind.

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Students begin preparations for note reading at their very first lesson.  We begin note reading reinforced with rhythms without the instrument.  As the student progresses these skills are applied to the recorder.  Note reading and rhythmic value of notes is developed using the recorder because they can learn it without compromising form and posture of the other instruments.  Next we apply note reading skills to the other instruments.  We use duets to strengthen the student’s timing and rhythm.

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Learning to listen, and to play from memory helps students develop touch, intonation, and musicality in their music.