Thoughts on the Suzuki Piano School was written in 1985 by one of the greatest exponents of the Suzuki Piano School. Kataoka went to study with Suzuki after many years of piano study, and soon realized that traditional approaches to piano teaching were wasting the innate ability of younger students. She hopes that through this little book she can bring to light the unnecessary "suffering" encountered by students and teachers who are using the time-worn read/learn/memorize method of piano study. Some topics covered include: a charming explanation of Shinichi Suzuki's philosophies, the Method itself, how to play, crucial points for beginners (listening, tone, parental assistance), and a thorough overview of Volumes 1 and 2 of the Suzuki Piano School. Her personal touches, triumphs, failures and enlightenment make very interesting reading. All teachers of Suzuki Piano will enjoy and benefit from reading this booklet. Even more important, however, is the fact that non-Suzuki piano teachers should read this, and utilize some of Mrs. Kataoka's thoughts in their teaching. Suzuki parents should also be asked to read this book to assist them in their vital role in the musical education of their children. This book is full of good advice, knowledge and fact.

Titles: * Rustic Dance (F.J. Haydn) * Siciliana (M.K. Waddington) * Allegro (F.J. Haydn) * Seguidilla (C. Salzedo) * Minuet No. 1, Minuet No. 3, BWV Anh. II 114/Anh. II 183 (J.S. Bach) * The Happy Farmer from Album for the Young, Op. 68, No. 10 (R. Schumann) * Glissando Waltz (W.A. Mozart) * Minuet No. 2, BWV Anh. 116 (J.S. Bach) * Petite Etude (V.V. Rogers) * A Short Story (H. Lichner) * Sonatina from Zwei Leichte Sonaten No. 1, Kinsky-Halm Anh. 5 (L. van Beethoven)

"As music education has become more common, children are starting to learn at a younger age. In the case of young children, this has a very useful effect on their behavioral and mental development. In particular, children who receive this education have a direct impact on their emotional development, so it can be seen that this plays an important role during this time in their lives. For this reason, it is necessary for music teachers to study their teaching methods and customize education methods suitable for children's personalities and characters. In order to help parents and teachers who help young students learn to play the piano, this thesis compares three different teaching method books that represent different philosophies that are currently on the market. The analysis will compare each educational method approach to basic piano technique such as fingering, note-reading, wrist movements, and articulations that must be learned as a piano player. The first piano method book is Faber's Piano Adventure, which has a curriculum divided by various levels and ages along with many different styles of repertoires. The second method book is Irina Gorin's Tales of Musical Journey, which is made in the form of a storybook, focused on upper body posture. Lastly, the Suzuki piano method book was designed to cultivate listening and concentration, and to allow even very young children to learn through imitation and perform repertoire. Music teachers of young students should try to develop their potential and talents through a variety of musical experiences and effective technique approaches as they directly affect student’s emotional development. If well-planned piano education, based on the various research methods discussed in this study, is used in the lesson, it will be possible to further enhance the piano learning achievement along with the emotional development of children."--

A book that is a must for all Suzuki piano students and teachers. Selected and compiled from her articles in Suzuki World over six years. Mrs. Powell discusses: communication with parents, home practice, listening, imitative games, psychology, "Fred," developing technique, reading, using the metronome, transposition, dynamics, balance, phrasing, Baroque style, Classical style, and effective teaching. A book rich with ideas for better teaching and better learning. Highly recommended.

A brief but valuable booklet about teaching Suzuki piano. Directed towards parents and teachers. Originally published in Japan by Dr. Suzuki's Talent Education Institute.