An alternative method of learning to play a musical instrument by using the ears instead of the eyes is available to Carbondale’s children through the SIUC School of Music’s Saluki Suzuki program.

Fairya Mellado, an assistant instructor of music and the program’s director, said the Suzuki method teaches children how to play music much the same way language is learned, since both are based on sound.

The concept is that you can teach children anything because they are so ready to learn, she said. If you can provide a beautiful environment to learn, they will learn.

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Mellado said this method began in the early 20th Century when Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist, traveled to Germany to study his instrument. He had difficulty learning by the traditional method of producing sounds based on written notes and because of the language barrier.

He realized children learned languages easier than adults because they learn how to speak before learning how to read. He began to teach the written note after a student learned the corresponding sound.

Mellado said children strive to learn when they receive positive reinforcement from their parents, a prime ingredient in the Suzuki program since the parents quietly observe their children at each lesson to show their encouragement.

When (children) can sense that much pride, joy and encouragement from their parents, they will want to learn, she said.

Mellado and her husband Daniel, an associate professor of music, started the program upon their arrival in Carbondale 16 years ago. Their oldest daughter, Rachael, was in the first class of 15 children, and she recently soloed with the National Repertoire Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colo.

Jeanette Stephens, a Carbondale resident, enrolled her 7-year-old daughter Karen Muller in the program in January. She said Karen had no previous training, and she quickly showed a strong dedication to practicing on her own.

Karen said that although the violin is a hard instrument to learn, the beauty of its sounds makes it fun to play.

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It has a full, rich sound and it’s so beautiful, she said. It goes well with everything else in the orchestra.

Stephens said Mellado’s style of teaching is as entertaining to watch as it is educational.

I enjoy watching Mrs. Mellado with the children because she’s very good at bringing them out and getting them to understand her point, she said.

She’s very animated in her teaching methods and the kids respond quite well.

The Suzuki program is available for violin, cello and piano, and is open to children between three and 17 years of age. Registration for the program is at 7 p.m. tonight in Altgeld Hall 116.