My youngest son is just over 4 and I am starting to look for a violin teacher for him. Would he be better off with the Suzuki method, or should I just look for a regular teacher who will take on younger children?

Does anybody have any advice for me?

I teach Suzuki-ish method having had 2 sons learn it and seeing how good it is as well as thinking that reading skills matter. I think the most important thing for you is to find a teacher who is used to teaching 4 year olds. Watch some lessons with him and see how the teacher interacts with him, ask how many other under 5s she or he has learning with them, find out if there are group classes because for me those are crucial to the sucess of Suzuki - they should be in addition to the weekly individual class.

If you're near me you're welcome to come visit!

Thanks for your reply. I live in the northeast - where can I find somebody who teaches this method?

Hi Echelon,

I know someone who might be suitable (dependent on where in the N.E. you live). The person I'm thinking of definitely does teach some reasonably young children (but not sure exactly how young) and I think started learning when he was about 4 or 5 - but I'm not 100% certain. If he isn't suitable then he may well know someone who is as he's been in the area a long time and is well connected with other players.

If you are interested, send me a pm and let me know the rough area of the N.E. you are in then I can have a word with him for you if you would like.

You might want to have a look here, there's a link to a word doc with a list of registered suzuki teachers and contact details etc.

Thanks for the replies and the link. I have sent you a pm flossie.

Have a look at violinbabies and cellobabies which specialise in tuition for children as young as 3 years. You may find a local teacher near you on the website.

http://www.violinbabies.com/index.php/main/#content

Interesting link, frumpybabes. The teacher of the week is based in Newbury, and as she's taught for Berkshire Maestros I actually know her.

Not much use for echelon though, as there are very few teachers, and all based in southern England. It sounds like a newish venture just getting off the ground.

I think I've found somebody from the link that snhs posted. The teacher lives not that far from me and she does Suzuki classes!