Unique features of the Suzuki Voice Program are:

• on everyday singing
• development of a natural voice, listening and supporting linguistic ability
• parent orientation
• work with families
• special lessons
  • group lessons
  • family lessons
  • individual singing lessons possible from the age of three
• recording individual singing lessons
• special singing exercises
• singing different languages from the age of two
• performing at an early age
• book and solo recitals, concerts, fairy tale operas, singing days, regular family evenings, concert trips, workshops and international conferences
• accreditation through an international exam system for teachers

Development from childhood to adulthood
and beyond

The voice is an instrument

The Suzuki Voice Program teaches children aged prenatal to adulthood. It begins with the understanding that the voice is an instrument and each student’s individual needs will be addressed. Early vocal instruction begins in groups however all voice students progress to individual lessons at a very early age and are encouraged to perform as soloists when they are ready.

What starts in childhood is an acceptance of classical music and singing styles which are not usually introduced to students until much later. They learn to be relaxed natural singers – a great building block for the development of mature vocal students. Natural, silent breathing is encouraged and developed along with repertoire. Phrasing and beautiful tone are main teaching points in lessons – not just learning songs. Memory and performance skills are established early and progress accordingly. As the child’s vocal skills develop, reading is introduced as a separate skill – just as you learn to speak before you learn to read, you learn to sing well before you learn to read music.

In the beginning, the Suzuki Voice Program 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. The parents are taught the early steps of their child’s instrument. They are taught to listen and to feel comfortable singing the early repertoire. As the child becomes more independent (age 3 -), the interaction between a child and a teacher increases and the role of the parent will be more observing and supporting in lessons. Individual lessons in addition to group lessons are encouraged at this stage.

The Suzuki Voice teacher needs to understand the normal stages of child development to support the personal development of each child and awaken a love of music through singing. The aim of the Suzuki Voice Program is to begin with simple folk songs and graduate to more challenging levels of classical songs. In this way the student learns both musical and technical skills while being introduced to a wide range of classical vocal repertoire.

Suzuki Voice lesson format

• Bow
• Listening, concentration
• Practical work for stretching, posture and breathing
• Practical work for tongue, jaw and lips
• Vocalization (depending on the age of the student)
• SINGING (individual or in group)
• Nursery rhymes (babbles) using finger puppets in Book 1 and 2
• Movement, dance, acting
• Practising performance (solo recitals)
• Colouring pages for songs in Book 1 and 2
• Ball massage, relaxation
• Bow

Level 1 recital at age 2

Suzuki Voice Repertoire

Book 1 (Volume One) Folk songs predominantly accompanied by piano with piano (or quitar) doubling the melody line. As interests young children, the songs are about animals and daily activities. These pieces are learned in the child’s native language first. Book 1 also includes parents songs – some of these may not be sung by the children at all. In Book 1 we encourage a child to use her / his voice and begin to sing. This is not a pre-instrumental class but one which focuses on learning voice as an instrument. However musical ability is created and therefore many students readily take up other instruments as well. Book 2 (Volume Two) More folk songs accompanied by piano or guitar. Languages and part singing in canon and harmony are introduced. For the very young children, the teacher or parent may sing a duet part but older children can sing these together. Book 3 (Volume Three) Art songs by well-known composers are introduced. These are short pieces accompanied by a chamber orchestra of five instruments. Level Four: Song list (selected books) The main focus is on songs from around the world and art songs of the student’s own country. Antiche arias and Vaccai Vocalises are introduced and lieder and art songs of well-known composers are included in the list. This level is longer than the others and continues into the student’s teenage years. The level is achieved by performing one individual recital and two “Youth” recitals. Level Five: Song list (selected books) A more specialised focus on the repertoire including art songs from other countries (the main ones where Suzuki Voice is taught) and the opportunity to study and perform an operatic or musical role (e.g. Hänsel und Gretel in German, El Gato con Botas in Spanish).

There are no exams for students in Suzuki Voice Program – the reward of learning is learning itself and the experience of performing for others from an early age (book recitals at the completion of each book level, graduation recital, performances for family and friends, teachers’ recitals, Suzuki Association concerts, Suzuki workshops, festival, conventions – performing together and learning from visiting teachers). There are five exams for teachers. One exam level takes about 1—2 years.