Traditional Classical Method

Oftentimes, I am asked what method I use in teaching. I use a variety of methods in my teaching. I use Suzuki materials for beginner violin, viola, and cello. String group classes begin with exploring these materials (Suzuki Books) together because Suzuki materials are really well written that way. I however am raised and trained in the traditional classical method, and this is the method I use primarily. TCM (short for traditional classical method), does not mean we use only classical music to train. I use for example a variety of musical styles and genres.

TCM can be interpreted in many different ways, to me it means basically learning music in a correct manner. Learning to read and write music, learning musical elements, music theory accompanies every step of the instrumental learning. If the basics are learned in the traditional classical ways, you wouldn’t need to revisit the basics, it lays a firm foundation for your musicality to build on. Why is it traditional? Because all the masters of music, such as

Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, composers, performers learned it traditionally from their masters.

Some of them have written books of exercises to train their students. These exercises often called Etudes lay the foundation for you to build your skills in order to tackle and appreciate the works of the great masters.

From Music Corner STL, January, 2025