smurf:Anyone's kids learning this? :? IS there any differeny between the normal violin course and Suzuki?
Hi Smurf, let me share with u my experience. My daughter started on a 1:1 private lesson at a private music school when she was just 3.5 years. The teaching method was not suzuki and the teacher taught her to theory and sight read too. This means, she started with pure note reading on the open strings. G, D, A, E. Her teacher does not promote using numbering but strictly on notes in alphabets. We were sketical inititally as she was very young then. But after one year now, my daughter could read notes perfectly... in fact, we thought she could read notes faster than words! In fact, she recently started on piano as her secondary instrument and has no difficulty coping with the lesson at all.
The benefits of private 1:1 lesson is that the teacher is able to build a good music foundation, develop good posture etc. The suzuki vol 1 in also one the books that she used. It's a great book with many good practice repertoire. My gal enjoys the most of the songs in this books and plays in rhythm when I accompany her violin playing on the piano. I think both methods of teaching have its benefits. But the most important thing is setting sufficient time for practice. My gal practices at least 30 min each day. Initially, it was difficult to instill such discipline. But she did it with time and this makes a difference.
It's good for parents to explore on the two methods and select the best fit for their child. This way, the kid will enjoy music and appreciate the instrument better.