A Systematic Review of Experimental Research on the Effectiveness of the Suzuki Music Teaching Method in Instrumental Instruction

Abstract

This systematic review examines the efficacy of the Suzuki music teaching method in cultivating instrumental skills through experimental research. The research indicates that the Suzuki music teaching method accommodates various instruments for students of different ages but its effectiveness in enhancing rhythm skills varies with the instrument and age group. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidance, the study searched four e-databases. Seven researches were identified as eligible for final inclusion from the 481 identified literature. The included studies compared the Suzuki method to conventional music teaching methods, with the majority showing a positive effect on instrumental skills, particularly posture, musicality, and technique control. The Suzuki method is expanding its target population from children to adults, providing evidence of its effectiveness for various groups of individuals learning an instrument and proposing future research directions related to the Suzuki music teaching method.