Do Suzuki students read music?
YES!!! Suzuki students DO learn how to read music! However, the reading process is delayed until the child has achieved enough mastery over the instrument to be able to concentrate on reading. Dr. Suzuki’s Mother Tongue approach encourages learning at first by mimicking and repetition just as if a child was learning how to speak. Once the child can speak, or in this case, play their instrument comfortably, then the child learns how to read.
Keep in mind that a lot of Suzuki students start their formal instrumental instruction very early (ages 3 & 4). Most children at this age aren’t really reading yet. Some children may be learning how to spell and sound out simple “a” words like bat, cat, mat, etc., but they can hold a solid conversation with you. The same is true with this method of learning music. Once the student can “communicate” comfortably with their instrument, they will learn how to read and write music.
I hope this was sufficient information to answer your question. If not, please feel free to contact me.
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