Take a Bow!

Do you know why we bow in a Suzuki music lesson and also in a recital?

In European history, bowing was common at royal courts. It was a gesture that showed deep respect for someone, especially to members of a royal family. In Asian history, people bowed to each other every day to show respect, say ‘thank you’, greet each other and say ‘goodbye’, apologize and to show appreciation. Bowing is still done today in some countries, especially in Japan where Dr. Suzuki lived.

In a Suzuki music lesson, a student bows to a teacher to show respect and appreciation as a way of saying ‘thank you for teaching me today’s lesson’. The teacher returns the respectful bow as a way of saying, ‘thank you for playing’. It designates the beginning and ending of a lesson. The lesson bow is also a great tool for learning balance and focus.

In a typical Suzuki performance, the student bows to the audience before playing a piece and then again after the performance is complete. This it to show respect to the audience, ‘thanking’ them for coming to the recital and for clapping afterwards. A recital would not be possible without a listening audience!

Every teacher has his or her own way of teaching a bow but this is how I bow with my students:

·       Place your feet together and put your hands along the sides of your legs.

·       Bend down from your waist, keeping your back straight.

·       Bend your elbows rather than sliding your hands down.

·       Look at your feet and count to three.

·       Stand up straight and smile at your teacher or at the audience.

You, your teacher and the audience deserve each other’s respect so ‘take a bow’!

Gail Olmstead