Suzuki Voice

The Suzuki Voice Program is based on the understanding that the Voice is an instrument and each student will be taught according to their individual needs.  It has been specially designed to learn vocal technique and style in a progressive manner.  The Program was developed in Vantaa, Finland in 1986.

The Program teaches children aged prenatal to adulthood.  Early vocal instruction begins in groups, however all students progress to individual lessons at a very early age and are encouraged to perform as soloists when they are ready.                

• The Program induces an early acceptance of classical music and singing styles in childhood
   which are not usually introduced to students until much later.
• Children 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 the 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.

The Suzuki Voice Program can be used as a method that enhances interaction between a parent and a child, during pregnancy and up to 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 onwards), 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.

Unique features of the Suzuki Voice Program

• an emphasis on everyday singing
• developing a natural voice, listening and supporting linguistic ability
• parent orientation
• working 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
• Volume One - Three recitals, Level 4 and 5 comprehensive recitals 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

Suzuki Voice Teacher Training and Exams have been conducted in the ESA since 1998.   Worldwide, there are Suzuki trained Teachers in 20 countries within America, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia and New Zealand.
By singing the repertoire, the students and teachers are able to learn from one another’s countries and gain a better understanding of the different cultures and languages.                            

Dr Päivi Kukkamäki