My Flute Journey

My musical journey started at the age of six. I learned how to play the classical flute through the Suzuki method; at the time I had no idea what opportunities would emerge because of it. I started off by playing the flute at recitals, competitions, and young musician festivals. However, as I got older I started becoming more interested in playing the flute for volunteering purposes. My sister and I played our instruments for a hospital with a caroling group in 2018, and the effect we had on the patients absolutely amazed us. That motivated us to start our non-profit Hope & Harmony (hopeandharmony.info).

 

The Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method is a different and unique approach to teaching music. More than fifty years ago Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese Violinist, made the realization that children learn and understand language with ease, so the same approaches for learning languages should be used for learning music. He called this new method the mother-tongue approach. This approach includes the ideas of parent involvement, repetition, meaningful encouragement, and more. 

 

Within the early years of learning, the Suzuki method emphasizes developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Children are supposed to start learning at a very young age, however, it is never too late to pick up the instrument. 

 

Listening to music is another crucial part of the process. Children must listen to the music they will play in order to develop their aural skills and to ensure that their pieces are stuck in their memory for a long time. 

 

The child must repeat everything that they learn, no matter how advanced they have gotten. Even though I am almost finished with all the Suzuki books, I often go back and play pieces from earlier books. 

 

Encouragement should be given in the same way a child is encouraged while learning a language. Every child is different when learning an instrument, so each one needs to be helped along the way in order to foster motivation. 

 

Learning how to play with other musicians is also emphasized in the Suzuki method. No child will finish a musical career only being a solo artist, so they must learn cooperation and patience. This cooperation could foster growth and knowledge.

 

Overall, learning how to play the flute through the Suzuki method has taught me to approach music in a different way. I will truly carry the skills I learned while playing the flute throughout the rest of my life.