CAS FH Music Education Suzuki Method: An interview with a participant
In the middle of Suzuki life: Deborah Furrer is a Suzuki teacher at the Zurich Oberland Music School and teaches music at the Steiner School Zurich Oberland. She completed the Suzuki Level 1 course at the Kalaidos University of Music in summer 2023 and is currently completing Level 2.
For the past three years, Kalaidos University has been offering the Suzuki Method music education course in cooperation with the Suzuki Institute Switzerland and Suzuki instructor Agathe Jerie. It is open to all those who have a university diploma with violin or viola as their main subject, lasts one year and takes place in an intensive week in Interlaken and then in the Zurich area. Students learn how to apply Suzuki Shin'ichi's practices and theories by studying the latest research findings.
Ms. Furrer, why did you decide to train with Suzuki?
Because this method has "hand and foot"! Seven years ago, my own daughter started playing the violin using the Suzuki method. As a mother and violinist, I had the opportunity to get to know the method well and thoroughly in practice. Then, during the training, I was given a differentiated knowledge of how the complex process of learning to play the violin can be taught in a clear and simple way. I think that's great!
What distinguishes the Suzuki method from other music education approaches?
In addition to the early start with the "mother tongue method", it is the interaction from the very beginning: We do it together! It sounds even better together! These are important experiences for the child. It learns to fit into a group, to be considerate of others and to listen!
Reading music is also dispensed with: This allows the training of the ear, the concentration on rhythm and intonation, the violin posture, the movement sequence when playing, the sound and the expression to take place undisturbed.
In addition, parental support and cooperation between teacher, parents and child is of great importance.
The lessons are therefore adapted to the developmental stage, abilities and special physiology of young children and specially designed in terms of teaching methods. With this focus, the Suzuki method is more relevant today than ever: early intervention and group lessons are on everyone's lips and are offered at many schools and music schools.
What were the milestones in your Suzuki training?
I learned a treasure trove of suggestions and ideas for a fun, visual, playful and yet very well-founded lesson structure. Although I started the training with many years of teaching experience, many new doors were opened to me and worlds were opened up - for which I am infinitely grateful!
In addition, I learned a lot about the technical aspects of violin playing in the lively and stimulating collaboration in the course. In a way, all the participants went back to the beginning and questioned some things in a completely new way - all in the service of the child and their path to music.
Finally, I came to the decisive realization that the Suzuki method is a training and educational path in which valuable skills are developed that are of great importance for all areas of life. The Suzuki Method is a life training in the truest sense of the word.
To what extent has the training changed your teaching practice?
The methodology opened my eyes to the fact that the early beginning in particular needs the love and recognition of the smallest steps. The child experiences a valuable and decisive connection to the instrument, to music and to itself from the very beginning - which is a wonderful thing.
And a new joy for teaching has grown in me, so that today I can once again experience a deeper sense of purpose. I am very grateful for that.
How can you imagine the structure of the entire traditional Suzuki method?
The Suzuki school consists of a total of 10 volumes and these are developed in five different levels. Each level usually takes one year to complete. You decide individually how many levels you want to do. Kalaidos University currently offers two levels, i.e. training for Suzuki volumes 1 - 3.
How do you see the future of the Suzuki method?
I hope that the Suzuki method's knowledge, philosophy and spirit will be understood and lived by more and more people, and that it will be able to reach out to more and more musicians who are looking for a new, deeper or higher meaning in teaching!
Further information is available at:
CAS FH Music Education Suzuki Method
The new CAS FH Music Education Suzuki Method course starts in August 2024, application deadline is July 1, 2024!
