The Suzuki Method was developed after World War II by the Japanese violinist Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. He observed that all children the world over speak their mother tongue naturally and easily, just by hearing the sounds and rhythms of the language in their daily environment.
Just as loving parents encourage and reinforce their child's efforts to learn their language, the Suzuki method strives to develop the whole child through the study of a musical instrument.
The method started with the violin, and has now been developed for viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, guitar, recorder, voice, and Early Childhood. Young children are exposed to an environment of music at home by listening to recordings of the repertoire to be learned, as well as other fine music. Children are motivated to learn when they live in an environment where music is present and they see other students their age performing and having lessons. Suzuki teachers are trained to establish a studio environment where children can learn at their own pace.
The lessons include both private instruction and the very important aspect of regular group lessons and recitals, where students are able to observe and listen to others on the same musical journey.
These are the foundations of the Suzuki Method :