Dr. Shinichi Suzuki (Oct 17, 1898 – Jan 26, 1998) was
a violinist, educator, philosopher, and humanitarian.
He believed that the potential of all children can be
highly developed if they are given the proper training
and learning environment.
All over the world, children learn to speak their native language with ease
because they are surrounded by the sound of their mother tongue from the
time they are born. The Suzuki Method applies the basic principles of
language acquisition to the learning of music.
The mother-tongue approach includes aspects such as listening, step by
step mastery, observation, repetition, group activity, delayed reading (at
least until the child is comfortable with the instrument), and parental
involvement. The Suzuki Method is also all about encouragement, love
and support.
There are numerous positive studies on the relationship between early
music education and academic development. Musical education and the
Suzuki Method help to develop excellent memory skills, listening and
practice habits. The Suzuki Method builds confidence, concentration,
discipline and self-motivation. The Suzuki Triangle (teacher, parent and
student), based on care , love, encouragement and praise, helps to build a
strong sense of self esteem. Dr. Suzuki never tired of saying of how adults
should appreciate the privilege of helping their children to become "fine
human beings with beautiful minds and high sensitivity."
For more information about the Suzuki Methods, read one of Dr. Shinichi
Suzuki's books.
Any child who is
properly trained
can develop
musical ability,
just as all children
develop the ability
to speak their
native tongue.
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki