In this post, I'll be sharing some common critiques of the Suzuki method, as well as some of my own. I feel as though I have a unique perspective on this because of my vast experience with the method. First, I was a Suzuki student myself, so I understand what it's like to use the method to learn the violin. Second, I have gone through Suzuki teacher training, been to Suzuki institutes (as both a student and teacher), taken classes on the method, and observed dozens of hours of other Suzuki teachers teaching. Third, I have taught the method to both children and adults.

Suzuki students can't read music

One of the main components of Suzuki is learning to play in the same way children learn to speak-by ear; therefore, one of the most common critiques of the method is that the students can't read music-they can only play by ear. This was something that I personally did struggle with. I felt like if I can learn pieces perfectly fine by ear, why should I go through all the trouble of learning to read music? The Suzuki Method is amazing, but it is no means comprehensive of every technique or skill you need to play the violin at a high level. It must be supplemented with outside etudes and repertoire. My favorite beginning note reading books are the I Can Read Music books by Joanne Martin. My course, The Basics of Note Reading is a complement to Volume 1. What helped me personally overcome this is playing in youth orchestra. Orchestra music is typically very long, making it difficult to memorize, and it's not always possible to pick out your particular part in a recording. Suzuki students can definitely learn how to read music proficiently (I'm living proof!) but this skill must be supplemented with outside repertoire and prioritized.

Suzuki students are robotic

Another one of the pillars of Suzuki is starting children when they are extremely young. At this age, students don't have the emotional maturity to add their own emotions or interpretation into the music; they are simply doing what their teacher tells them, which I personally do not find anything wrong with. As the students grow older and have felt a wider range of emotions, the skills that they learn through Suzuki will allow them to be able to incorporate them into their playing.

Suzuki is only for kids

It is true that the Suzuki method was created for kids, and that the easiest time to learn to play by ear is when you are young; however, this does not mean that the method cannot be tailored to adults. The reason why I love Suzuki is because it is based around learning skills. In each piece, you're either learning a new skill or refining one that you have recently learned, and the skills build upon each other in a really beautiful way. These skills are not just for children-adults have to learn them too! If you're interested in learning more about how I tailor the Suzuki method for adult learners, check out this article I wrote for The Strad.

You need a teacher to learn Suzuki

This is one critique that I fully agree with. While Suzuki is based on learning skills, the skills in each piece are not always obvious. It is vital to have a Suzuki trained teacher to guide you through the method in order to get the most out of it. This is why I created my online Suzuki courses. I believe that everyone should be able to use Suzuki, regardless of if they have a private teacher. In each course, I clearly explain the skills that you are learning and give you techniques to practice them. I walk you through each piece in the book, and practice them with you at different speeds. You can purchase course separately or in one big discounted bundle.

Suzuki repertoire is limited

All of the pieces in the Suzuki Violin School are from the Baroque or classical period. To become a well rounded violinist, students need the opportunity to learn all different eras of music, which again, is why it is important to supplement the method.