The Suzuki Approach

Dr Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violinist and teacher, developed a successful method of teaching music to very young children in the same way as they learn to speak. His primary goal was to develop the whole child through the study of music.

The Suzuki teacher seeks to help unfold a child’s natural potential to learn and, through music, become a sensitive and happy person.

Dr Suzuki recognised that every child successfully learns to speak the language in his/her environment, largely because of the rapid development of the brain before the age of five. He believed that music was no different, and that if a rich musical environment was created, any child had the potential to become musical, even if the parents considered themselves ‘tone deaf’!

The very young child is keen to learn, loves watching other children, and delights in developing – and practising – new skills, thus making music education fun and exciting for both parent and child.

“I was, and still am, totally amazed to see Dr. Suzuki's philosophy in action - learning music at such a young age, in a nurturing, supportive environment, means that children actually never doubt their ability to learn an instrument / a new song, like many adults do.”