Dr. Suzuki listed ten Vital Points for violin playing. He used these points to develop a weekly progress report that allowed students and parents to chart improvement over time.* Suzuki’s emphasis on Vital Points suggests that the important question to ask is not “How quickly can I move from one piece to another?” but instead, “How beautifully can I play?” Suzuki acknowledged that each student develops at their own pace. He patiently enjoyed this process with the conviction that, given the correct environment, all students can learn.
Suzuki
Test Your Practice Skills
Dr. Suzuki told his students: “Only practice on the days that you eat.” This is good advice, but it’s also important to evaluate the quality of your practicing. It’s not just about the hours you put in, but what you put in the hours! Suzuki’s triangle (student, parent, teacher) gives parents the vital role of guiding their child’s practice sessions at home. Practicing correctly helps students develop self discipline, perseverance, and an …