Technical and pedagogic analysis of the Suzuki Method used in string instruments education

The Suzuki String Method, which was very popular in the 20th century around the world and used by many string instrument trainers, has been examined in this study. Instruments studied here include violin, viola, cello and double bass at all levels. This study reveals technical developments and pedagogical approaches for which the Suzuki method has progressed for each instrument, and the data obtained here is intended to provide guidance to educators who teach string instruments in Turkey. In this research, content analysis method was used and data was limited to Suzuki violin, viola, cello and double bass school in Volume-1,2,3 sample groups. Structural analysis and target behaviors of the pieces in Suzuki string instruments are presented in Tables. These tables are examined in tonality, time signature, form, fingering/finger position, use of bow in addition right hand/arm, left hand/arm, theory and ear training. Then, the target behaviors and technical steps included in the methods; the validity of the target behavior and technical cascading for violin towards the other instruments; target behavior, technical study and deficiencies in pedagogical principles were questioned and presented as positive and negative criticisms of the method. In conclusion, the common target behaviors for all four string instruments in the methods are right hand/arm technique, theory, and ear training. On the other hand, unlike violin and viola, there are differences in cello and double bass methods concerning left hand/arm technique.