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Suzuki Method

The “Mother Tongue” approach

tss-suzuki-emma-fisher

The Toronto School for Strings is very committed to teaching very young children in the Suzuki, or Mother Tongue Approach, as it is known in Japan.

We are a proud member of the Suzuki Association of Ontario
We have on our faculty, teachers who have specialized training in Suzuki, and working with very young children.
We believe that it is the best way to start a very young child.
We offer instruction in Violin, Cello, Piano and Guitar.

Participation in the program requires a higher level of parental involvement and commitment than with traditional instruction methods, but that it is absolutely worthwhile!

Parents may wish to acquire an instrument, as well to learn the absolute basics.

We highly recommend the following links to help prospective students get started.

As a quick summary we recommend:

Reading «Nurtured By Love» and/or «Ability Development from Age Zero» by Shinichi Suzuki.
Listening daily to the reference recordings that are available for pieces in the Suzuki books.
The TSS, in addition to the stores listed below, will have copies of the Suzuki Books and CDs in stock.
Instruments, sized specially for children, properly adjusted are available from the SoundPost, the Remenyi House of Music, and Long and McQuaid. Contact information is available from our «Recommended Links» page. We recommend shopping for instruments in person rather than the online stores.
A special course called «Every Child Can« (ECC). This is for parents, teachers, administrators and enthusiasts who want a really comprehensive orientation. It is a very enjoyable and worthwhile overview, and is offered throughout Canada and the United States. For information about this ECC course, follow this Link: http://suzukiontario.org/

The TSS Suzuki Program includes:

A weekly private lesson, and a bi-weekly group class.
Group concerts and solo recitals.
Parent mentoring.
Graduations for mastery of the Twinkle Variations and of the individual books. Trophies and Diplomas.

For more information about Suzuki Method in Ontario, please go to http://suzukiontario.org/ and follow the links under: SUZUKI METHOD.

For information on the wider community of Suzuki, please follow: About the Suzuki Method

My cello teacher at the TSS has been marvelous and I am learning a great deal. He even brought me a practice mirror on his bicycle! Again, thank you for providing such a wonderful experience.

William K.

Dear Mary and Julian,
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary - and extraordinary achievement. Also a meaningful contribution to the lives of many young people.
With admiration,

Peter Simon

I chose the Toronto School for Strings and Piano because of the convenient location. As my lessons progressed however, I found the location to be just one of the many aspects of the school that appealed to me. The directors and staff go out of their way to ensure the best possible experience. The TSSP offers fair prices and employs excellent teachers that are highly professional and experienced. My lessons are a true pleasure to attend, and I have found myself improving quickly.

Jackie S.

Thank you so much for providing such an amazing and inspirational place for our daughter to experience music.

Bronwyn V.

I have loved learning violin again. Thank you for bringing music back into my life and giving me a wonderful and rewarding hobby.

Orlando S.

Emily gained so much from her time with you, Julian and part of our pride in her accomplishments belongs to you too. She learned far more than simply her music - she learned that hard work, determination and a goal can lead to great things. She also learned the value of mentorship from your example, and has volunteered to mentor others at her law school this year.

Carole S.

We often talked about you (Mary) for years after you stopped teaching him, how you encouraged him to be a future Yo Yo Ma. Maybe that's what did it! You might be interested to hear him tell you all the things that he is doing in music now beyond the cello... and you will be proud of him, as you gave him his earliest musical formation.

Kim P.

The lessons are such a bright light in the week for our girls.

Safiya completed her ARCT Practical Exam in Guitar with Honours.
Drew is an amazing teacher and musician. We are incredibly grateful to him for all the work he put into preparing Safiya.
We are very pleased with the music school that you run. You are all true professionals.

Elena Erdogan

You played an immeasurably significant role in the development of Maya's love of music.
You, and of course Mary, will always have a special place in our hearts and will forever remain as valued friends.

David

Thank you again for the extraordinary learning experience, confidence, and warm friendship that “you guys” gave me during my short stay in Toronto. I promise that I will continue my lessons and never give up on my dream of playing the piano.

Jeanine

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