One reflection I want to share with my LinkedIn friends is that music and project management are connected in so many ways. I started to learn violin when I was 6.
Like other young violin learners, I started with Suzuki Violin School Book 1. More than a textbook, it is a violin teaching philosophy called the Suzuki Method; a method conceived in the mid-20th century by Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violin salesman. The Suzuki Method emphasizes small, incremental progress in learning.
Just as in agile, where projects are broken down into small, manageable iterations, Suzuki students learn through a series of incremental steps. For example, when I learn a scale, I started with playing one note on a bow, then two notes in a bow, and then four notes and eight notes.
Agile focuses on continuous improvement through regular retrospectives and feedback. In the Suzuki Method, students regularly review previously learned pieces, refining their technique and musicality over time. For example, while I learned a new piece, I always reviewed a previous piece.
Agile encourages collaboration among team members and stakeholders. Similarly, the Suzuki Method involves collaboration between the student, teacher, and parents. My mother is an active participant in my learning process, playing piano accompaniment for me at home, discussing the styles of different violinists, or just providing encouragement.
Agile methodologies are flexible and adaptable to changes. The Suzuki Method is tailored to each student's pace and needs. Teachers adjust their approach based on the student's progress, ensuring a personalized learning experience. For example, my teacher selects other materials (like etudes) to complement pieces in the Suzuki books.
In agile, the focus is on delivering value to the customer early and often. In the Suzuki Method, students deliver value through performances. Like other violin students, I perform regularly, sharing my progress and achievements with my peers and community.
Last but not least, agile teams are self-organizing and empowered to make decisions. The Suzuki Method empowers students by fostering a sense of ownership over their learning and encouraging them to set and achieve their own goals.
So, what are my conclusions?
From the lens of agile project management, the Suzuki Method is a dynamic, iterative, and collaborative approach to musical education. Project management, just like violin, need to be learned from a younger age. It is not just a skill; it is a mindset that empowers young students to be thinker and doers.
