An Analysis And Comparison Between Suzuki And Traditional Piano Methods

As an innovative method of teaching, the Suzuki Method for teaching piano has greatly influenced the world of music; its methods are widely advocated and used in many countries. Suzuki Piano Teaching, as one of the branches of the Suzuki Method, brings the teaching philosophy to a new level. Suzuki Method is not about teaching how to become a great performer, but its ideas are to teach students how to use piano as way to express their feelings, and foster students interest in playing the piano. In addition, it also improves their personal quality through playing the piano. However, presently in China, the dominant teaching strategy still belongs to that of the traditional method. It has rooted deep into the Chinese philosophy of teaching piano. This paper uses survey and literature research to compare and contrast the traditional method of teaching piano and the Suzuki Piano method.The thesis is divided into three chapters:the first chapter briefly describes the Suzuki Method and how Suzuki Piano Method are adopted, as well as the current status of its development. The second chapter explains and further analyzes the six key concepts of Suzuki Method that includes:Talent education, start from "listening", listening first and reading delayed, the importance of parental involvement, and the high standards of training required as a Suzuki teacher. The third chapter discusses and concludes the significance of teaching Suzuki Piano lessons in China as well as the challenges that it might face in the Chinese environment.As the demand for piano teachers in China are increasing, there are only a tiny fraction of the students who learn from the most prestigious pianist, there ought to be a standardized method of teaching piano that benefits the students in order to achieve high quality of lessons given to students. The Suzuki Method has been developed for over sixty years, therefore, both the theories and the practical methods of teaching piano are well established. In conclusion, both the traditional and Suzuki methods have their own advantages, and the Suzuki method may improve the overall standards for piano teaching in China with combined with the traditional method.