What is the Suzuki Method?
The Suzuki Method is an innovative approach to music education developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. It is based on the belief that every child can learn music in the same way they learn to speak their native language—through listening, imitation, and repetition. Central to the Suzuki Method is the idea that musical ability is not an inborn talent, but an ability that can be developed in any child given the right environment, encouragement, and guidance. His philosophy was also know as the Mother Tongue Approach, which he called 'Talent Education'. He believed that "Every Child Can"© -- in that "any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue”.
“The potential of every child is unlimited." - Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
Driven by the belief that every child can learn music just as they learn their native language, he developed the renowned Suzuki method—a transformative approach that emphasizes early childhood education, parent involvement, and creating a nurturing environment for learning music. The Suzuki Method aims to foster a love for music and to nurture the whole child through music education. His method has influenced countless music educators and families, shaping the way music is taught and learned. Dr. Suzuki's legacy lives on through the countless students and teachers who continue to be inspired by his vision, making a lasting impact on the world of music education.
Some of the characteristics of the Suzuki Philosophy are:
Parent Involvement & Responsibility
Small steps
Constant Repetition
Nurturing Environment & Loving Encouragement
Daily Listening
Early Beginning
Group lessons - Learning with Other Children
Who Was Dr. Suzuki?
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, born October 17, 1898 in Nagoya, Japan, was a visionary Japanese violinist, educator, and humanitarian who transformed music education worldwide. He was one of 12 children, and his family owned a violin factory before World War II.
Dr. Suzuki met his wife Waltraud in Germany. They married and moved back to Japan, where he began to teach violin and play string quartet concerts with his brothers. Dr. Suzuki and his wife never had any children, but he dedicated his life to his students. He died at age 99 on January 26, 1998, at his home in Matsumoto, Japan.
His groundbreaking teaching philosophy emphasized the belief that every child has the potential to excel in music given the proper nurturing environment, much like learning their native language. Dr. Suzuki's method focuses on listening, positive reinforcement, and a supportive learning community, fostering not just musical skill but also character development.
Throughout his life, Dr. Suzuki sought to create "noble hearts" through music, advocating that music education could instill sensitivity, discipline, and empathy in young learners. His legacy continues to inspire music educators and families globally, fostering a deep love and appreciation for music. Dr. Suzuki's profound influence on music education and child development is celebrated worldwide, and his method continues to shape the foundation of music learning at the Suzuki Association of Hawaii.
To learn more about Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and his philosophy, visit the Suzuki Association of America (SAA) website below.
If you are considering lessons for your child, we highly recommend that you first read these books, written by Dr. Suzuki:
Nurtured by Love (Revised Edition)
Ability Development from Age Zero