Although I personally was not brought up studying the Suzuki method books, both my boys are studying in the Suzuki program. I have come to understand what Dr. Suzuki had in mind, using the strength of training by ear as a foundation for learning. I also deeply appreciate and agree with what Dr. Suzuki set out to achieve by involving students in music…

“I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.”
Dr. Suzuki

I have often said that I believe studying music can bring kinder, more gentle people to the world. I have seen with my own eyes that children involved in music do develop a “beautiful heart”, as Dr. Suzuki professes. The idea of this book is to take the foundation of some of the songs found in Suzuki and other elementary music books and bring in other elements. Because many students are already familiar with these pieces, they can “hit the ground running” so to speak. Beyond that, the tracks are designed to bring new life to these songs. They’re fun to play along to! The project incorporates different styles such as hip hop, gospel, Celtic, country, bluegrass, jazz, Latin, rock and even a bit of reggae into the music. I also introduce jazz rhythms that are a basis for much of the music that the modern string player will encounter later in their musical journey. It is not uncommon for string players to be described as “stiff” or unable to swing when it comes to the rhythmic aspect of music they might encounter in the modern musical world. This series will give the young string player a leg up, introducing them to these rhythms and styles right off the bat. In that way, it won’t be entirely new to them when it comes time to play theses styles. These rhythms are often second nature to rhythm section musicians, or horn players. Why shouldn’t it be second nature to string players as well! I have known so many string player colleagues who love jazz and wish they could play it and improvise. I believe that because their training was so rigid from the start, they find it difficult to let go and play. When the try they often sound stiff and ill at ease with it. And I’m talking about world class musicians who can’t get their head around it. I’m lucky. My mother, Barbara Cameron was a jazz singer and pianist. She used to sing with Rosemary Clooney. My sister and I learned how to play by ear very early on, playing all kinds of songs with my mom on piano.