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‘Every child has the ability to Learn. Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed.
Anychild who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their
mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited".’ Shinichi Suzuki’
"Where love is deep, much will be accomplished."
"My dream is for the happiness of all children. I feel respect and friendly feelings for everyone. In particular, I cannot
help but feel respect and warm feelings for young children. And my heart brims over with a desire to help make all the
children born upon the earth fine human beings, happy people, people of superior ability. My whole life energies are
devoted to this end."
"An unlimited amount of ability can develop when parent and child are having fun together."
Dr Shinichi Suzuki was born in 1898, Nagoya (Japan) and was the founder of the Worldwide Music Education Movement known
as the Suzuki Method. The Suzuki Method is based on the concept of 'Character first, Ability second'. Dr Shinichi Suzuki's
goal was to nurture a love of music for every child and the development of fine character first rather than simply mastering
a musical instrument. Dr Suzuki called this idea 'Talent Education' which refers to the development of character, skill
and knowledge.
The Suzuki Method and its repertoire has been presented technically and musically in a logical sequence. Each piece has
been carefully chosen, starting from such early pieces like Twinkle Little Star to grand concertos like Concerto in A minor
by Vivaldi and Concerto in D Major by Mozart found in later books. Technique, Style and Musicianship are developed through
the study and repetition of these pieces.
Today, there are more than 250 000 children worldwide learning by the Suzuki Method.
Dr Shinichi Suzuki called his teaching method the “Mother-Tongue Approach” after being inspired by children learning to
speak their native tongue so effortlessly.
When a child learns to speak, the following principles are at work:
1 Listening
2 Repetition
3 Motivation
4 Step-by-step
5 Vocabulary
6 Memory
7 Parental Involvement & Love
In the Suzuki Method, each of the above factors are applied in the learning of any instrument.
Listening and Repetition of the Suzuki Cd, Tape or any such professional recordings/concerts, the child reinforces his
learning and develops vital learning skills (rhythm, pitch, tempo/speed and so forth).
Children are Motivated by learning an instrument in a 'fun and loving' environment. Dr Suzuki provided Suzuki Group Lessons
(see below) to motivate children learning an instrument.
Dr Suzuki created Step-by-step learning, mastering each step before advancing to the next.
The Suzuki method is aimed at young children. Therefore, at a young age children can absorb information much easily. Children
play pieces by Memory and then learn to read notes after, just like learning their native language.
Parent(s) assists every lesson taking notes and work alongside with the teacher (Parental Involvement). After the lesson,
the parent helps their child to practise and becomes the 'Home' teacher. Each lesson as well as 'Home practise', is created
in a Fun and Loving environment.
As well as individual lessons, the Suzuki Method provides students to participate in group lessons. These lessons enable them to play together, in a fun loving environment, revising what they have previously learnt in their individual lessons. All of these things create a wonderful atmosphere - children love to do what they have seen other children doing!
It is optional to go for a Suzuki Graduation. Certain pieces in the Suzuki Method are selected for Graduation. When
students have studied beyond the Graduation piece for each level, they may apply for it.
The student must prepare the selected piece to their best of their ability. They then receive a written report on their
playing, and are presented with a Graduation Certificate. The beautiful certificate comes from Japan and is boarded in gold.
Graduation is not an examination therefore every child succeeds. When the student graduates, it is an achievement and
recognition for having reached a certain level in the ongoing process of musical education.