The suzuki method

About the Suzuki Method

Children all over the world have their first musical experience through the Suzuki Method. Developed by the late Japanese teacher Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the method uses the “mother tongue” approach to learning, based on the ease with which young children learn to speak their first language. Dr. Suzuki discovered that these same principles apply when teaching young children to become fine musicians. Suzuki lessons focus on ear-training, developing good instrumental technique and producing a beautiful tone.

After these fundamental skills are established, and when the young child is old enough to read words, we introduce step-by-step music reading. The Suzuki approach emphasizes a balanced, triangular relationship with the teacher, the parent and the student. This marvelous early childhood approach helps parents create positive musical environments in their homes and guides them in their daily schedule as they help their children learn to play an instrument.

Group classes meet weekly to develop ensemble skills, musical literacy skills, and to provide a community of peers that is critical to every child's success in the Suzuki method. Once a teacher has determined that any student has developed enough playing skill to participate in group class, it is a required part of the Suzuki program and students must participate if they wish to take private lessons with any registered Suzuki instructor.

There are four components of our Suzuki program:

Suzuki Parent Orientation

Dr. Shinichi Suzuki believed that all children possess the ability to learn music and, if supported in a nurturing home environment, that ability could be developed to a very high level in every child, by every family. The idea of “Talent Education” maintains that musical knowledge and skills can be taught in the same way parents teach their children language—by taking small, manageable steps, and keeping a positive outlook throughout the lifelong learning process. The “mother tongue” approach to learning, based on the ease with which we all learn to speak, is most effective when children are young and most flexible in mind, body and spirit.



In this course, parents will gain a thorough understanding of the Suzuki philosophy and method of instrumental music instruction, will learn about successful strategies for home teaching and practice and will be introduced to the instruments and teachers in our Suzuki Program. All parents who are interested in Suzuki music education are asked to take this class before beginning lessons for their children.

Every Child Can! An Introduction To Suzuki Education 

This course was created by the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) to provide a background in the philosophy and method of instrumental music instruction for children pioneered by Japanese violin pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998). The course is open to music teachers, college music students and parents whose children study music using the Suzuki method, and is presented as a one day, six-hour class. It is not specific to one instrument, but provides a general introduction to the Suzuki method for all instruments. This course is the required first step for anyone who wishes to become a Suzuki teacher, but it is also valuable to anyone interested in music education for young children.