The Vivace Academy at CMS

The late Japanese violinist, educator, philosopher, and humanitarian Dr. Shinichi Suzuki devoted his life to developing a method for teaching music to young children.  His method is based on his belief that, “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.  Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue.  The potential of every child is unlimited.” Dr. Shinichi Suzuki used this philosophy to formulate what he called the “mother-tongue approach”.  This approach teaches young children to learn musical skills similar to how young children learn to speak – through observation and imitation.  Dr. Suzuki believed that all children should study music to help nurture and develop their characters.

Special Features of Suzuki Education:

• Parent involvement
• Beginning lessons at an early age
• Use of sequential material presented by knowledgeable teachers in an organized and clear manner
• Nurturing a student's cognitive, emotional, social, language and physical development through music while developing ease, balance and confidence
• Development of a child's sense of self-discipline and work ethic
• An environment that enables each child to reach their fullest potential
• Social interaction and motivation among students through group classes
• Listening, repetition and reading
• Encouragement