The Importance of Listening

The primary goal of the Suzuki program is to enrich the lives of children through a musical experience.  The primary step in this process is for the child to learn to listen.   Children need to "hear" the music before they can begin to appreciate or imitate musical sounds.        

Parents can create three types of listening opportunities: 

• review listening to the pieces already studied
• listening to the current piece
• advance listening for preparation and motivation for the next piece in the book.  In fact, it's valuable to listen several books ahead.        

Repetition in listening is extremely important! 

Sometimes, you will provide "environmental listening" by putting on the recording while getting dressed in the morning, getting ready for bed at night, reading, riding in the car, eating meals, or doing chores.  The other kind of listening, "active listening," requires participation while listening, such as, tapping the beat or rhythm, singing the fingerings, singing note or pitch names, or even singing made-up words.  Parents need to encourage and participate in active and environmental listening often with their children.        

In a recital or concert, children should be taught to have respect for the audience and performers by giving their full and silent attention.  The more children are taken to musical events and exposed to the listening discipline--modeled by attentive parents--the better equipped they will become for eventually disciplining themselves to listen.