The Realities of Being a Suzuki Cello Teacher: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Teaching music is a joy like no other. Getting to share my passion directly to a student is what gets me out of bed in the morning on many days. I was shaped by my childhood teacher, and I strive to make even a fraction of the impact on my students that my teacher made on me. The Suzuki method is how I was taught as a child and how I like to teach now. I am a Suzuki certified teacher and have years of experience where I have evolved the Suzuki model into my own. There is good, bad, and ugly to Suzuki, so I want to share those experiences and what I have learned.

The Good:

Teaching Suzuki cello offers many rewarding experiences that remind me why I chose this path. The Suzuki method emphasizes learning music in a nurturing environment, much like how children learn their native language. This approach creates a special bond between teacher, student, and family. It encourages music as a way of life rather than a hobby. I have seen firsthand the impact this has made on me, my friends, and my students.

Witnessing Progress and Growth

One of the most fulfilling parts of teaching Suzuki cello is watching students develop their skills over time. Many start with no musical background and gradually learn to play beautiful pieces with confidence. For example, I had a student who struggled with bow control in the beginning. After months of patient practice and encouragement, she performed a simple concerto at a recital, beaming with pride. These moments of achievement are powerful motivators for both teacher and student.

Building Strong Relationships

The Suzuki method involves parents deeply in the learning process. This creates a supportive community around the student. I truly believe that the Suzuki method helps strengthen a bond between a parent and a child. It also fosters a community of positivity and harmony. I have friends from my early years of Suzuki group classes that I still talk to today 10+ years later. These relationships extend beyond lessons and recitals, enriching my life both personally and professionally.

Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Music

Suzuki teaching is not just about technique. It’s about fostering a love for music that lasts a lifetime. I am a professional cellist who has gained so much from music and my cello. It has taken me all over the place, allowed me to meet countless people, and given me lessons I take outside of just music. I crdit my early Suzuki experience as the foundation of all of that.

The Bad:

While the good moments are inspiring, teaching Suzuki cello also comes with challenges that require flexibility and resilience.

Managing Varied Learning Paces

Every student learns at a different speed. Some grasp concepts quickly, while others need more time and repetition. Balancing lessons to meet each student’s needs can be tricky. Any time I teach a family with siblings, I hold my breath. Sibling rivalries are real and lead to a negative learning environment more often than not. I can say this as the oldest of 4 brothers who all played the cello growing up. Only 2 of us still play. I have found that it is usually the older siblings who stick with it. This was certainly the case in my family. It is hard to have an older sibling who is excelling at a skill and you are stuck playing the same piece they played years ago. God forbid a younger sibling learns at a quicker rate than an older sibling... That is typically the nail in the coffin. Seeing a younger sibling do something better than you is not a great feeling for anyone.

Handling Parental Expectations

Parents play a crucial role in Suzuki teaching, but their expectations can sometimes create tension. Some expect rapid progress or professional-level performance, which is unrealistic for young beginners. On the other hand, some parents show a lack of involvement that does not foster growth and treat a lesson time like babysitting. I have had to diplomatically explain the importance of patience and consistent practice, emphasizing that progress in music is a marathon, not a sprint and how every child needs encouragement.

Dealing with Practice Resistance

Young students don’t always enjoy practicing. Motivating them to practice regularly can be a daily challenge. I use games, rewards, and varied exercises to keep lessons engaging, but some days are harder than others.

The Ugly:

Some experiences in Suzuki cello teaching are less pleasant and test a teacher’s professionalism and emotional strength.

Burnout and Overcommitment

Teaching many students, preparing for recitals, managing administrative tasks, and so much more on top of being a full-time student, gigging and working weekends, and balancing a personal life can lead to burnout. When I take on too much at once, I am a less effective teacher. If I come into a lesson exhausted and drained of energy, my students are going to feel that and mimic that behavior. On the other hand, if I come into a lesson bubbly and excited to teach, that fosters a much different environment and will give a tired student a boost of energy. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize quality over quantity was essential.

Navigating Conflicts

Conflicts sometimes arise with parents or students over lesson fees, attendance, teaching methods, or even moral issues. Some student, parent, and teacher triangles are just not meant to be and forcing that will just lead to unhappiness. I have had experiences where the parent and I both agreed that maybe a different situation may be better for everyone involved. Those conversations are hard and are one of my least favorite parts of the job, but it is essential to be honest and do what is best for both myself and the family.

When Students Lose Interest

Not every student stays motivated. Some lose interest or decide to quit music altogether. This can feel like a personal failure, even though it’s a natural part of teaching. Accepting that not every student will continue long-term is important for emotional well-being. My goal is not to turn every student into a professional musician. Believe it or not, my main goal isn't even to teach cello technique. I teach love and kindness via the cello not the other way around. Most of my students will go on to play cello as a hobby or drop it all together and that is ok. Their musical future may be cloudy, but if I can shape a student to be a better human, that is a priceless feeling.

Practical Tips for Suzuki Cello Teachers

Based on my experiences, here are some practical tips for those teaching Suzuki cello or considering it:

• Set clear expectations early with parents about the learning process and time commitment.

• Customize lessons to each student’s pace and interests to keep them engaged.

• Encourage parental involvement but provide guidance on how to support practice without pressure.

• Use varied teaching tools such as games, recordings, and group classes to maintain interest.

• Take care of your own well-being by managing your schedule and seeking support from fellow teachers.

• Communicate openly and professionally to resolve conflicts before they escalate.

Teaching should be fun and make you feel fulfilled. If you aren't having that experience, it may be worth taking a step back and asking yourself why that is. Maybe answering that will make you happier and help your students to grow more.