The Suzuki Philosophy

During the years before the second world war, while still a young violin student in Berlin, Shinichi Suzuki began developing his innovative idea that any child who could speak their native tongue, could also learn to play the violin the same way: by listening, observing, and responding to the rich sounds and sights in their daily environment. Suzuki noticed that even very young Japanese children could learn very difficult and complex dialects. If this is possible, he thought, then all very young children must also be able to learn the intricacies of music naturally, aurally, as a language.

After the devastation of Japan from WW ll, there was a deep desire by Shinichi Suzuki to help restore the spirit of his war torn nation. Suzuki began to teach any young child with parents willing to participate, requiring no entry tests, and no selection for the fittest. Suzuki discovered that through extending a very young child's natural abilities to learn music, these youngsters were also growing in many other ways, particularly confidence, mental quickness, creativity and self esteem. Dr. Suzuki documents this beautiful discovery and process in his book, Nurtured By Love. The enormous success of Shinichi Suzuki’s work is the legacy and foundation from which “Suzuki” teachers teach today.

Here are seven of the tenets from the Suzuki teaching philosophy to help guide us, both teacher and parent, as we work with our children:

• Every child can learn.
• Ability develops early.
• Environment nurtures growth.
• Children learn from one another.
• Success breeds success.
• Parental involvement is critical.
• Encouragement is essential.

Read more about the Suzuki philosophy.

For more information contact Catherine Whelan
503.244.6190 Email catherine AT suzukiportland dot com

Home | Instruction | Philosophy | Events | Resources | Contact