The Suzuki Method (aka Mother-Tongue Method or Talent Education Method) was developed by Shinichi Suzuki in Japan starting in the late 1940’s. Based on the realization that every young child quickly learns his or her native language Suzuki concluded that every child has an immense talent for learning. He proceeded to develop a music education method based on the way children learn their native language.
Highlights of the method include

• Parent involvement: at home and during lessons,
• Repetition: of the old repertoire and new techniques,
• Learning with other children: in group classes and summer camps,
• Listening: daily to recordings of the repertoire,
• Loving encouragement: by the parents and teachers through the learning process,
• Graded repertoire: where techniques are incrementally learned through the repertoire,
• The belief that every child is capable of learning to play the violin and gain a love of music.

Benefits of a Suzuki Music Education

Suzuki believed that through a nurturing education in music children would develop sensitive hearts. I believe further that studying music develops a child’s understanding that ability comes from hard work (not from innate ‘talent’).  Furthermore music education develops in children a love of and sensitivity to music, and provides a way of connecting with their parents.

For more information about the Suzuki Method please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website: www.suzukiassociation.org