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The Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method was created by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, born in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. He began to learn music at an early age, traveling to Tokyo and later Germany to continue his study of the violin. At this time, it was commonly believed that children under the age of five were unable to be taught; their minds were simply not mature enough yet. Dr. Suzuki, in his travels, was struck by a revelation: all the children he encountered, regardless of age, spoke their native languages fluently, even though these languages were all different. Sounds of other languages that were difficult to him as an adult to learn came easily to the lips of a child to whom it was native speech. This revelation was the beginning of the Suzuki Method, often called the "Mother Tongue Method."

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki realized that children were capable of learning to speak their languages, in all their complexity and varied slang and nuances, because they were constantly subjected to the words and sounds by the environment in which they lived. Applying this in an educational way, he began to teach music through placing it into the daily environment of his young students, creating in them a natural affinity for instrumental sounds and styles. In 1947, he opened the Talent Education Institute, which was met with continued success. Later, he traveled to the United States with a group of students to perform for both the American String Teachers Association and the Music Educators National Conference, helping to bring the Suzuki Method to the U.S.

Parent Participation
Active parent participation is central to the Suzuki learning process. Your role as a parent involves observing and taking notes at lessons, playing instrument recordings, and practicing daily with your child. Even if you feel you know little about music, you are your child's best teacher. Through your affection, support, encouragement, praise, and understanding, you can create a happy "musical environment." Parents are offered classes each semester to learn more about their role and about the Suzuki philosophy.

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki passed away on January 26, 1998, honored and remembered by nations across the globe. The International Suzuki Association continues his work, teaching to students around the world, and helping to bring up children in a supportive, creative environment that nurtures both themselves as human beings, as well as their musical talents. The Suzuki Association of the Americas also continues his work in North and South America.

Web:  www.coppercountrysuzuki.org