BLACK FRIDAY

Hi, everyone! Joel Kennedy here.

Now, I've talked all about the good stuff the Suzuki Book Series features. It's great for getting better at the violin, the tunes are catchy, and let's face it, those books are just plain fun to dive into, especially for the newcomers. But what about the downsides? Let's dive into that a bit.

The Over-Reliance on Fingerings

One of the main concerns I have with the Suzuki series is its tendency to notate music with fingerings instead of note names. While this approach may be helpful for beginners who are not familiar with music theory, it can hinder students' ability to read music and understand note names in the long run.

For a beginner playing away at "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" the book will say things like: open, one, open, three, and so on (see below).

This approach is very straightforward if you're just starting and aren't versed in the musical lingo like Ab, C#, or G♮. That's a big hurdle if you're new to reading music.

Now, I'm all for making things easier for beginners, and that's why these books are a solid pick if you're just getting your feet wet. However, there's a catch. Eventually, you gotta know your note names. If you don't, you're not going to be able to progress further. Not knowing your note names can seriously hold you back later on.

In the beginning, it's easy to rely on fingerings, but as students progress, they need to learn note names to improve their skills. Without this knowledge, they will struggle to read music and understand the relationships between notes.

Taking Ownership and Adapting

If you're rolling with the Suzuki method or thinking about starting, here's a tip: take a bit of ownership. Start simple, maybe by jotting down the note names for the open strings right on your music sheet.

See those G, D, A, E notes? Mark 'em down, get familiar. Then, gradually, begin adding other notes around those. Before you know it, you're recognizing patterns and understanding how notes connect on the staff.

Moving Beyond the Basics

As you progress, you'll move into trickier territories like third position, where notes start popping up above the staff. That's when you really want to know what those notes are, not just where your fingers should go. It helps tremendously with tuning and playing more complex pieces. Trust me, knowing a D note by its sound and where it sits on your fingerboard can save you a lot of tuning headaches.

The Importance of Note Names

Knowing note names is crucial for several reasons:

• Improved sight-reading: When students can recognize note names, they can read music more efficiently and accurately.
• Better understanding of music theory: Note names help students understand chord progressions, harmonies, and other music theory concepts.
• Enhanced musicianship: Knowing note names allows students to play with more expression and understanding, as they can relate the notes to the music they are playing.

Taking Ownership of Learning

While the Suzuki Book Series is an excellent resource, it's essential for students to take ownership of their learning and supplement their practice with additional exercises and activities. Here are some suggestions:

• Write in note names: As you practice, write in the note names for the open strings and gradually add more notes as you become more familiar with them.
• Practice sight-reading: Regular sight-reading practice will help you become more comfortable with note names and improve your overall musicianship.
• Explore other music: Don't limit yourself to the Suzuki series. Explore other styles and genres to broaden your musical understanding and skills. Using the skills you've developed in Suzuki books 1-4 you should be able to read lots of other types of music.

Summing It Up

To sum it up, the Suzuki method's got a lot going for it—especially for kids and beginners. But just like any method, it's not perfect. My advice? Use Suzuki as a starting point. Get the basics down, then start supplementing with note reading as soon as you can. It'll make you a more rounded musician, ready to tackle anything from Beethoven to bluegrass.

So, that's my take on the Suzuki Book Series. It's got its perks, but also its quirks. Remember, no method is one-size-fits-all. Keep practicing, and happy playing!