Music lessons for kids with the Suzuki Method

Since 2013, Stamford American International School students at the Early Learning Village (ELV) have been learning a musical instrument with the Suzuki Method. KATHERINE SULLIVAN, the school-wide Music Coordinator and Early Years Suzuki Teacher, shares insights and results from the programme’s violin lessons.

Why does the Early Learning Village (ELV) adopt the Suzuki Method?

The Suzuki Method’s philosophy is “Every Child Can”. This perfectly supports our Reggio Emilia-inspired belief that every child is a capable, curious learner with limitless potential.

The programme uses a mother-tongue approach. This integrates seamlessly into the ELV’s immersive environment, where music is learned as naturally as a first language.

This synergy between the Suzuki Method and the nurturing community at Stamford American International School ensures that we’re fostering the whole child through discipline, confidence and a lifelong love of discovery.

How do you think violin lessons help young students?

Playing a string instrument is one of the most complex physical tasks a young child can undertake. It requires bilateral integration, where the left and right sides of the brain must work together to perform completely different movements.

The Suzuki Method teaches the invaluable lesson of persistence. A beautiful tone on the violin isn’t achieved by clicking a button; it’s nurtured through repetition and patience.

The group learning portion of the programme fosters a collaborative spirit as children learn to listen and work together to create a unified, beautiful sound.

We’re the only K-12 international school in Singapore offering the violin programme as a core part of the specialist curriculum to the Early Years age group. It’s integrated into the educational journey for every child starting from PreK at Stamford American International School.

Students continue their violin journey through weekly lessons in KG1, and all students play the cello in KG2.

Hear from a parent…

“The Suzuki programme gives Zoe a way to express her deepest feelings. She lives immersed in music and finds it in everything she does, it has truly become her third language. Beyond technical skills, the programme developed her memory, perseverance, discipline and confidence. For me, it was an opportunity to grow alongside her. I get to stay involved in her learning and to share a unique bond. It’s been a joy to be part of the process that helped her achieve her goals and win several competitions.” – Carmen, mother of Zoe, Grade 6, who started violin lessons in the ELV Suzuki programme

About the Suzuki Method used at Stamford American

Named after Shin’ichi Suzuki, the Japanese violinist who created it, the Suzuki Method uses the Mother Tongue approach in music education. Suzuki believed that children could learn music with ease by applying the same principles for learning their native language.

The method emphasises early immersive listening, daily repetition, parent participation and positive reinforcement in a nurturing environment. Students practice a set curriculum of songs that are used internationally and that build on each other. They also perform regularly in groups, which develops social, motivational and peer-learning.

The programme is designed for children from as early as age three or four years, but it can be adapted for learners of all ages. It applies to various instruments, including but not limited to the violin, cello, piano, flute, guitar and recorder.

Stamford American International School is at 1 Woodleigh Lane; the Early Learning Village is at 3 Chuan Lane.
6653 2949 | sais.edu.sg

This article first appeared in the March 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version free now.

Read more about Stamford American International School, including how they help students turn business ideas into reality, for example, and how they provide opportunities for competitive swimmers.

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