For further information about Suzuki Voice Teacher Training worldwide, please contact: Päivi Kukkamäkki, D. Mus, Rekolantie 40-42, 01400 Vantaa, Finland. e-mail: paivi@ik137.pp.fi

For permission to reproduce this article, please contact the editor

What is the Suzuki Voice Programme
in a nutshell?
By Päivi Kukkamäki

The Suzuki Voice Programme enables a student to start listening to songs during pregnancy and continue singing until teen-age. The Suzuki Voice Programme is based on the Suzuki method. In the Suzuki Method children learn music naturally in the same way they learn their mother tongue. All children, regardless of culture, learn in the same manner - first listening, then imitating then repeating.
In the beginning, the Suzuki Voice Programme can be used as a method that enhances interaction between a parent and a child (during pregnancy -> age 2). The teacher leads the activity in lessons and supports the relationship between the mother/father and the baby. As the child grows more independent (age 3 ->), interaction between child and teacher increases and the role of the parent will be more observing and supporting in lessons.
The teacher needs to understand Child Development in order to support the personal development of each child and awaken love of music through singing. The emphasis is on everyday singing, development of a natural voice, listening and supporting linguistic ability. Among the special features are parent orientation, work with families, special lessons (group lessons, family lessons and individual singing lessons are possible from the age of three), recording individual singing lessons, performing from an early age, singing in different languages from the age of two, special singing exercises, book recitals and an international teacher exam system.