Suzuki Method FAQs Halifax | Parent Questions

FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find answers to common questions below. Learn about our inclusive philosophy, parent involvement, and what makes us different. Ready to get started? Explore our programs or meet our teachers.

How does the Suzuki Method differ from other methods of teaching children?

Suzuki teachers believe that musical ability can be developed in all children
Students begin at young ages (as young as 2-6)
Parents are involved in their children's' lessons and daily practice
Children become comfortable playing their instrument before learning to read music
Technique is taught in the context of pieces, rather than through technical exercises
Pieces are refined through constant review and are never dropped
Students perform in both group and solo contexts frequently

As a parent, how am I involved?

The parent's role starts with creating a musical environment for the child at home by listening daily to their Suzuki CD. Parents come to every lesson and take careful notes to make sure that the exact assignment is practiced at home. The parent is the child’s ‘’practice partner,’’ and does not need to be a musician to serve this role. The Suzuki teacher guides each parent to learn the basics required to be part of the teacher-student-parent Suzuki triangle.

How do I schedule lessons?

Contact us and the director will help to schedule with the Suzuki teachers your lesson as available. Towards the end of the school year, the teachers work with the parents and director to arrange lesson times for the following Fall. New students are required to observe lessons before beginning.

Does my child need to take group lessons?

Yes. Group classes are the foundation of the program at our school. If a student misses some group lessons, the fees are still applicable and they are expected to keep attending.

How do I buy/rent an instrument?

We recommend renting your instruments first. We have a partnership with Long & McQuade on Cunard Street, and request that young players use a Yamaha violin. We have special orders on guitars, flutes, cellos and violas in smaller sizes. Parents are required to rent a full-size instrument for a few months to learn the basic setup.

How do I choose the right music school in Halifax for my child?

Look for schools with qualified, certified teachers who have specialized teacher training—not just performance degrees or experience as performers. Teacher training is the extra qualification that makes a real difference for your child. Visit the school, observe lessons, and ask about the teacher's training and the school's philosophy. At Scotia Suzuki School, all our teachers are Suzuki Association certified and committed to inclusive, joy-based learning. We welcome families to observe lessons before enrolling to see our approach in action

What if my child doesn't practice every day?

We believe all children can learn music, regardless of practice frequency. While daily practice is ideal, we work with every family's reality. Some students practice 5-7 times per week, others 2-3 times. Our teachers adapt their approach to support your child's progress at whatever pace works for your family. Consistency matters more than perfection, and we celebrate every bit of effort.

We also offer support to both parents and students through our Practicing Pro platform, helping families have effective, positive, and fun home music practices. We don't just leave you to figure this out on your own—we have a huge resource of training and support for parents available.

What if I can't provide support for practice at home?

We understand that not every family can supervise practice. Some parents work multiple jobs, have other children with needs, or face other challenges. This doesn't mean your child can't succeed in music! Our teachers provide clear practice instructions and work with students to build independence. We also offer group classes where students practice together with teacher guidance. Your child's success is our priority, and we'll work with your family's circumstances.

What makes your teachers different from other music schools?

Every teacher at Scotia Suzuki School is certified by the Suzuki Association of the Americas, meaning they've completed extensive training in the Suzuki method specifically. Beyond certification, our teachers commit to ongoing professional development and regular collaboration with each other. But what really sets them apart is their philosophy: they genuinely believe every child can learn music and approach each student with patience, skill, and individualized attention.

How do you work with students who progress very quickly or more slowly?

We celebrate every student's journey, regardless of pace. Some students move through repertoire quickly, others take more time to master each piece—both paths are valuable. Our teachers are trained to break skills into small, achievable steps and find creative ways to help students overcome challenges. We never compare students to each other or pressure families about progress. Every student performs alongside their peers regardless of their book level or age, fostering a supportive community rather than competition.

What qualifications do your teachers have?

All our teachers hold Suzuki Association of the Americas certification in their instrument, which requires extensive training beyond a music degree. Many also have Bachelor's or Master's degrees in music education or performance. Our teachers participate in ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning. We also have head teachers (Edward, Megan, and Elsa) who provide mentorship and quality assurance across our teaching team.

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance?

We want music education to be accessible to as many families as possible. Please email us at scotiasuzukischool@gmail.com or call us at 902-476-7776 to discuss your situation. We work with families individually to find solutions that might include payment plans, reduced rates, or other arrangements. We never want cost to be the only barrier to a child learning music.

Is my child too old to start music lessons? What about ages 8, 10, 12, or older?

It's never too late to start! While the Suzuki method is often associated with very young children, we successfully teach students who start at 8, 10, 12, or even as teenagers and adults. Older beginners often progress quickly because they have strong focus and motivation. We adapt our approach for each age group—teenagers aren't taught the same way as preschoolers. Many of our most dedicated students started later and have gone on to perform beautifully.

How often do students perform?

We believe performance is essential for building confidence and sharing music with others. Students have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year including: regular studio recitals (typically 3-4 per year), group class performances, an all-school Spring concert with a world music theme, community events, a special all-school Traditional concert with our Nova Scotia Youth Ambassadors ensemble and a special guest to inspire our students, and our famous Family Fun Fair each June.

Performing is never forced—we help students feel comfortable wherever they are and help them build confidence. Students start with group concerts where they can be part of a group, then progress to duets with their teachers, solos, and eventually a full solo concert to celebrate the completion of a book level that's just for them—one they do all by themselves! You will see their confidence grow at Scotia Suzuki School through the joy of sharing music.

Do I need to buy an instrument right away??

For most instruments, we recommend renting initially so your child can try music lessons without a large upfront investment. Once you and your child are committed to continuing, purchasing an instrument makes sense. For violin specifically, children need appropriately sized instruments and will "size up" as they grow, so renting is often practical for several years.

We also have a special violin rental program where all proceeds go directly to our scholarship program—we're so proud of it! You can join for the same or less cost as a local rental program. We can provide guidance on local rental programs and purchasing options as well. For piano students, many families start with a keyboard at home and upgrade to an acoustic piano when ready.