Just to share an article we wrote about the music exams. https://www.facebook.com/Juzmusic/photos/a.699496186759217.1073741828.697743306934505/1201329066575924/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/Juzmusic/photos/a.699496186759217.1073741828.697743306934505/1201329203242577/?type=3&theater

We feel that ABRSM exams is good to ascertain what level a student has reached and for goal setting. But ultimately listening, enjoying and performing the music should be the ultimate goal of learning music. Rushing through this journey and the process of learning- which very commonly happens in Singapore - should be avoided.

The Suzuki Method is a great way to START a child on the violin.

1. Every piece is carefully chosen and placed in order for the young student.
2. The parent is present, which is great- what 4-6 year old would practice without being guided at home?
3. The recording helps immensely. Their ears developed well via the recording.
4. Group classes are fun.
5. All the performance are done entirely from memory, which is so helpful in the future! Many students (all instruments) often struggle playing from memory, and are extremely reliant on the music score.

To further explain the Suzuki method for those who do not know. Suzuki was a violinist who created a teaching method for students. It is a lot of playing by ear, While on the other hand, the traditional method is where the student is handed the music right from the start. However, as time goes, Suzuki players should be no different from anyone else, and play as good as anyone else who started in on a different approach.

The reason Suzuki delays reading music is to encourage them to focus on the mechanics of playing the violin (i.e. left hand position, finger placement, right hand position, tracking of the bow, etc.). It is very hard to focus on all of these mechanical issues while trying to figure the note on the page and the proper corresponding fingering.

Juzmusic Academy offers Suzuki piano/violin/cello classes. (http://www.juzmusic.com)

7 years too late to answer the question. But better late than never.

After 3 months the student at 8 years old, should be able to play both hands together- in unison, with block chords and alberti bass. Play with a flexible wrist and some finger independency. Also should have covered at least 5-8 pieces.

Juzmusic Academy offers Suzuki piano/violin/cello classes. (http://www.juzmusic.com)