Studying Suzuki Piano -- More Than Music: A Handbook for Teachers, Parents, and Students (Suzuki Piano Reference) [Paperback]

Carole L. Bigler (Author), Valery Lloyd-Watts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1993 | Series: Suzuki Piano Reference

A comprehensive coverage of what the Suzuki approach embodies, this book should be considered a requirement in the home of every piano teacher and student. Eight of the 14 chapters lay the foundation for understanding Suzuki's Mother Tongue Approach, its procedures and its benefits. The authors have given their ideas of what it takes to be a Suzuki teacher, how to structure an effective lesson, what to cover in those first lessons and how to do it. Using more than 400 musical examples, the teaching points and the interpretation of the seven volumes of music are presented. In addition, some alternate fingerings are suggested and places where the Suzuki edition departs from the original edition are noted.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Suzuki Method International (July 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874875862
• ISBN-13: 978-0874875867
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Home Study, December 1, 2007

By 

D M (Mahopac, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Studying Suzuki Piano -- More Than Music: A Handbook for Teachers, Parents, and Students (Suzuki Piano Reference) (Paperback)

After looking into the closest Suzuki school for my 5-year old autistic daughter, the 45 minute drive and $3000 annual tuition was just not possible. My daughter(as well as her sisters) have shown a lot of interest in our piano in the dining room, and were already trying to "play by ear" songs like "Twinkle" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb". I minored in music in college(though I still can't play with two hands), but I figured I knew enough to start my kids out with this method. This book is a great value, and it's easy to get started. I especially liked that it stressed hand position and technique. The best thing is I can teach my daughter when SHE takes in interest in learning and stop when she loses interest, rather than force her to sit for a 30-minute lesson. (And isnt' that something that Suzuki believed in ?) Who knows, when the time comes, maybe we'll both learn how to play with two hands!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide for parents, October 8, 2008

By 

Olga Gomez "Sasha O." (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Studying Suzuki Piano -- More Than Music: A Handbook for Teachers, Parents, and Students (Suzuki Piano Reference) (Paperback)

Much like a previous parent, I had studied piano as a teenager and although I fully remember note reading and the basics of playing, lack of practice (nothing for 20 years) has minimized my abilities greatly. Of course I can read, but playing anything past a Level 1 Songbook is more of a struggle. I wanted to start my 3 year old daughter in piano but didn't have the financial ability to register her for class (so expensive). I bought the Suzuki Level 1 and accompanying CD along with the Handbook and we are making marvelous progress. The Handbook has been extremely helpful and is an excellent guide on progressing the student. Far exceeded my expectations AND deals with every piece you come across in Suzuki individually. Highly recommended!!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really liked this~, January 27, 2009

By 

M. Coyle (Idaho) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Studying Suzuki Piano -- More Than Music: A Handbook for Teachers, Parents, and Students (Suzuki Piano Reference) (Paperback)

I have 3 little girls under the age of 3. I've taught my older children piano (Alfred method). I like Alfred because it teaches theory and note reading, so thought I would teach my girls the same way. I started my oldest daughter on Suzuki violin, and realized I liked the idea of Suzuki (instant gratification!), so I found this book to see if I could teach her piano. Within a day, she had taken what she knew from violin (she's taken lessons for 4 months), she was playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in it's entirety on piano! Amazing! I would definitely recommend this book to any parent who has some basic knowledge of piano playing and wants to share it with their kids-it's a great book and resource!