The Traditional Approach vs.The Suzuki Method

The Traditional Approach to teaching an instrument is recommended for older students (7+) and/or students who might have had some lessons already. The Traditional Approach introduces music reading at an earlier stage than the Suzuki Method and uses a variety of etudes and repertoire to teach the necessary skills needed to play the violin/viola well. Is recommended that traditional private lessons occur weekly, home practice occurs daily and regular listening is happening in order for progress to be made. 

The Suzuki Method is a specialized method using the "mother-tongue" approach. For this method to be the most effective, it is recommended that the student begin instrument studies between the ages of 3-7 years old when the language learning centers of the brain are most open. The student and parent work together with the teacher to form the Suzuki Triangle and create an optimal learning environment for the student to include DAILY listening to the Suzuki Recordings, daily home practice with the practice parent, private AND group class lessons. Repertoire is taught by ear at first (music reading is taught later) and flows through a specific set of pieces in the Suzuki Method Repertoire Series. Please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas for more information.  

I am happy to discuss either approach with you more in detail to help you decide which may be more suitable.