EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN

When Shinichi Suzuki conceived of his idea of social music education, many people believed that only special children could learn music- only the talented ones. Suzuki disagreed and proved that all children can learn music, that great talent is not inborn, but educated through a nurturing musical and social environment.

Dr. Suzuki showed that children learn music like they learn language. When they start to learn their mother tongue, they are encouraged and supported by their whole family and community. This is why the Suzuki method is sometimes called the mother-tongue method.

Suzuki education started in the 1930s in Japan; it has since spread worldwide. Today, there are over 8,000 teachers and 400,000 students! No matter where your family travels or moves, there will be a Suzuki program with highly qualified teachers to help support your continuing studies.

A group of young girls and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki playing violins, with the man sitting and the girls standing behind him, in black and white.
A group of young girls and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki playing violins, with the man sitting and the girls standing behind him, in black and white.
White cursive script text reading 'Suzuki' on a black background.

The Suzuki philosophy is non-competitive. Therefore, HKSMI teachers will not prepare students for competitions or exams. In competitions, there is only one winner. At HKSMI, we believe that all children should enjoy music for its own sake and the joy it brings to their family, friends, and community. You could say that the Suzuki philosophy sees a world of people with whom we can cooperate, rather than a world of people with whom to compete. Upon seeing hundreds of Suzuki students performing together in 1961, great cellist Pablo Casals was moved to tears and stated, “Maybe music will save the world!”.

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki conducting a group of children playing string instruments in an orchestra.
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki conducting a group of children playing string instruments in an orchestra.

Child centered education

Each child progresses at their own pace and is allowed to explore their musical creativity. At HKSMI, we know that children can learn amazing musical skills and great compassion. These skills are supported by a positive and immersive music-making community which includes their parents, other children, and their teachers. The community is built through regular lessons, group classes, special events, and concerts. It is a little like growing up in a musical village.

A young girl playing the violin while Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and her Parent observe her, in a black-and-white photo.
A young girl playing the violin while Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and her Parent observe her, in a black-and-white photo.

Parental involvement is key!

At HKSMI you are involved every step of the way and are an integral part of the learning process. Learning an instrument is a complex task, and your child can easily excel with your help. We have music programs for the whole family, from infants to school-aged children. We even teach parents to play the violin.

Success-oriented teaching

Children and parents feel accomplished with our success-oriented step-by-step method. We break down complex skills into small achievable goals. You will improve at every lesson!

Dr.Shinichi Suzuki plays the violin on stage while a group of children also play violins, practicing in a school gymnasium or auditorium with dark curtains and a wooden floor.
Dr.Shinichi Suzuki plays the violin on stage while a group of children also play violins, practicing in a school gymnasium or auditorium with dark curtains and a wooden floor.

Music making in the community

At HKSMI we provide frequent performing opportunities every year so your child will increase their confidence and stage presence. Our students not only play for their fellow students and family members, but also for the community-at-large through performances for neighbourhood festivals, at elderly homes, and in parks. We also collaborate with other schools to bring our wider community in Hong Kong together.

A young girl with long dark hair in two ponytails, wearing a pink dress, is holding a violin. A teacher is assisting her with the violin, holding it in place near her neck. They are in a room with posters and papers on the wall.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PARENTS

“Children learn to smile from their parents”

– S. Suzuki

In the Suzuki philosophy, Parents and Teachers work together as the foundation to help the Child both excel at their instrument and develop a lifelong love of music. In order to facilitate this, parents attend all lessons and learn alongside their child:

Suzuki Triangle: A navy blue triangle with white text listing roles in children's education, including child, the, triangle, parent, teacher, and caregiver.

Pre-Instrument (age 3-4), this means learning the pre-instrument games and songs, helping their child in the classroom, and establishing a short 5+minute daily practice routine at home. For this program, families participate in one or two concerts per year. Parents are highly encouraged to attend observation classes in anticipation of the instrumental program.

Instrumental Program (age 4+), this means attending all private and group classes and concerts, owning instruments for both parent and child, learning to play alongside the child in lessons, and personally learning to play the Suzuki Volume One. Instrumental program students have many performance opportunities per year.

OUR PROGRAMS