The Suzuki Method is based on the simple idea that all children have talent. Dr. Suzuki began to form his teaching philosophy when he realized one day that all Japanese children speak Japanese. Japanese is an extremely difficult language that may take many years of hard work for an adult to master, but children can learn to speak it easily. Suzuki applied this "mother tongue" approach to learning music and found that all children can learn to play the violin. Aspects of his method include: breaking each new skill down into the smallest steps possible while offering positive feedback at each step; listening daily to recordings of the pieces that students are learning; constantly reviewing past pieces in a set method of repertoire; learning music by ear; playing in a group with other children; and making the parent a vital part of the learning process. The aim of the Suzuki method is not to create professional musicians but to create people with loving hearts, sensitive spirits, beautiful minds, and splendid ability.

Suzuki students are encouraged to begin studying the violin at a very young age- often as young as three or four. There are many advantages to beginning studies at such a young age. Young children thrive on imitation and repetition, and enjoy practicing over and over the simple basic skills that form the foundation of a good violinist. They have more time to devote to learning the violin than many older children, and learn to view violin, and music, as a natural part of daily life, rather than one more activity squeezed into an overflowing schedule. The very young children don't mind going slowly in the beginning, giving their minds and bodies plenty of time to internalize the hundreds of skills that go into the education of musical talent. Small children also enjoy doing things with their parents and are less resistant to the daily help of their "home teacher." While older children and even adults can certainly learn the Suzuki method, younger children have the advantage of learning how to play as a natural function of growth rather than through will power.

Learning to play the violin or cello well takes serious commitment. Students are expected to attend all their lessons and classes, practice at least 5 days a week and listen to their recording every day.

For more information on the goals and philosophy of Suzuki Talent Education program
please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas website at: www.suzukiassociation.org.