Dr. Suzuki said, "Don't hurry don't rest. Without stopping, without haste, carefully taking one step at a time will surely get you there." Suzuki piano lessons focus on the improvement of one small step at a time, sometimes referred to as the one point lesson. A one point lesson means that the a single point of improvement or learning is focused on during a particular set of exercises until the student can navigate the point on their own. Trying to learn more than one point at a time is not a time saver. That being said, more than one point can be taught in a lesson as long as they belong to different sets of repetitions. For example, a Suzuki teacher might introduce the concept of balance (playing with different weigh and dynamics in separate hands), using the first phrase of 7 review pieces. As the student grows more proficient, layering several different points into a section of music becomes the new point.
Suzuki teachers are trained to work carefully in small steps. We follow the child and not the other way around. We help the child to master the step that is appropriate for their age and present ability. We hope to share the success of these small victories with parents, so that they can go home with a plan and a purpose. We give ourselves, the child and the parent permission to master the details and share how to have fun doing it. Suzuki lessons should be a child-centered, parent/teacher driven activity. We go down to the child's level and find out what exactly they are thinking and needing. "I am preparing myself for the five-year-old mind. I want to come down to their physical limitations and up to their sense of wonder and awe." --Dr. Suzuki