Stevens Point, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin--Stevens Point Telecommunications for the American Suzuki Talent Education Center
Summary
This is a condensation of lectures and lessons recorded at the 1976 Summer Institute at the University of WI.--Stevens Point. Part I: Dr. Suzuki discusses the importance of listening for developing musical sensitivity. Two aspects of musical sensitivity are tempo training and phrasing. Musical sensitivity is not inherited. Therefore one must absorb it by listening to good examples. Due to exposure to the recordings of Fritz Kreisler and Pablo Casals, Dr. Suzuki learned to perform in a musically sensitive way. For this reason, he encourages students to hear performances of great artists. To instill tempo in group playing, Dr. Suzuki suggests listening to piano accompaniment tapes. Two aspects of musical sensitivity are tempo training and phrasing. Tempo education, or Conductor Training as coined by Dr. Suzuki, relates to learning to direct rhythm in one's head and should be fostered at all ages. Physical motions are used by beginners to develop this concept. Internalized, it becomes a habit as the living soul takes over. Phrasing gives every note heart. Breathing provides the music with feeling, particularly at the beginning of phrases and on the last beat of each measure of slow movements.