VOA标准英语2012--Children Learn to Play Music by Listening in Suzuki Method

 

Children Learn to Play Music by Listening in Suzuki Method

Five-year-old Hannah Mei Steury started violin lessons two months ago. Her teacher, Stephanie Flack, says “Twinkle¹, Twinkle Little Star” is the first song children learn to play. 

“It’s a very simple tune² that’s easy to learn by ear. And then they learn the elements of how to hold the violin, the bow. We put it together slowly and then they’re playing music right away," she said. 

Hannah Mei’s mother, Judy Steury, is amazed³ at her daughter’s progress. “I think it’s great, and she does love it, and she’s humming it in the car," she said. 

Flack was a Suzuki student herself as a girl, and is not surprised by that. “Our method teaches pieces from the beginning," she said. 

Her daughter Shannon plays more advanced pieces. She says she likes classical music. “In classical, you can change things up and play it how you want to play it. I usually change the tempos⁴ just a tiny bit and the loudness," she said. 

The Suzuki method was founded more than 50 years ago by Japanese violinist Shin’ichi Suzuki. He believed all children could learn to play music. His method was later was adapted for other instruments. 

Rhonda Cole became one of the first Suzuki teachers in the United States forty years ago. She trains violinists to be Suzuki instructors⁵, but says teaching⁶ children to play is inspiring. “They’re more sensitive to musical sounds," she said. 

Gradually, children learn to read musical notes and eventually perform complex music. Divya Kumaran recalls⁷ it opened a new world for her. “It feels good after you’ve completed a song and after it’s perfect," she said. 

The Suzuki method discourages competition among the children and encourages them to play together, including public performances. 

Even if their parents don’t have a musical background, they’re expected to provide support and encourage their children. 

Kathy Adams accompanies her son Jared on the piano as he practices each day. “I have such an appreciation⁸ for what it is to listen, to truly listen to the music. Jared’s a great example. He has an amazing violin ear," she said.

Jared says he was awestruck when he recently got an autograph from Joshua Bell, one of the world’s top violinists. "I think he’s absolutely brilliant. This is the first time I’ve actually walked up to him. I’m not sure if I said hello or not but it was just amazing," he said.

After nine years of teaching, Stephanie Flack is still excited to see her students progress. “Their love of music and seeing how much they enjoy it is just really is rewarding for me," she said. 

1 twinkle   

n.闪烁，闪耀，眨眼，瞬息；v.闪烁，使...闪耀，眨眼，迅速移动

参考例句：

• The twinkle of distant town lights was very beautiful.远处城镇灯火闪烁，煞是好看。
• At night,lights twinkle in distant villages across the valleys.夜间，山谷那头的遥远村落里灯光闪闪。

2 tune   

n.调子；和谐，协调；v.调音，调节，调整

参考例句：

• He'd written a tune,and played it to us on the piano.他写了一段曲子，并在钢琴上弹给我们听。
• The boy beat out a tune on a tin can.那男孩在易拉罐上敲出一首曲子。

3 amazed   

adj.吃惊的，惊奇的v.使大为吃惊，使惊奇( amaze的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• Just the size of the place amazed her. 仅仅地方之大就使她十分惊奇。
• I was amazed at her knowledge of French literature. 她的法国文学知识之丰富使我大为惊奇。

4 tempos   

乐曲的速度或拍子( tempo的名词复数 )； （运动或活动的）速度，进度

参考例句：

• The tempos of income refer to real tempo, The price factor is taken out. 收入发展速度为扣除物价因素后的实际发展速度。
• Contrasting tempos and the restraining influence of synchronism serve to produce effects of scattering and tightening. 不尽相同的曲调形成调式、速度上的对比，它们由“合头”拉扯着，形成分散、聚合的效果。

5 instructors   

指导者，教师( instructor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The instructors were slacking on the job. 教员们对工作松松垮垮。
• He was invited to sit on the rostrum as a representative of extramural instructors. 他以校外辅导员身份，被邀请到主席台上。

6 teaching   

n.教学，执教，任教，讲授；(复数)教诲

参考例句：

• We all agree in adopting the new teaching method. 我们一致同意采取新的教学方法。
• He created a new system of teaching foreign languages.他创造了一种新的外语教学体系。

7 recalls   

回忆起( recall的第三人称单数 )； 使想起； 使想到； 勾起

参考例句：

• The sight recalls the days of childhood to me. 那情景使我想起了童年。
• Moreover, extensive use of voluntary recalls can undercut agency accountability. 此外，大量利用自愿撤回会削弱行政机关的责任心。

8 appreciation   

n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨

参考例句：

• I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to you all.我想对你们所有人表达我的感激和谢意。
• I'll be sending them a donation in appreciation of their help.我将送给他们一笔捐款以感谢他们的帮助。