Photo of Dr. Suzuki in Helsinki, taken in 1981
Article contributed by Bill Alpert

When Shinichi Suzuki, at the age of 17, heard a recording of Schubert’s Ave Maria, played by a well known violinist named Mischa Elman, he was amazed that a violin could make such a beautiful tone. He had grown up around his family’s violin factory in Japan, and thought the instrument was mainly a toy. But soon he would bring home a violin, and he began to imitate the sounds made by violinists of the early 20th century. And so, he undertook a journey that would transform the world of music education.

Sinichi loved children, and felt that music could help heal Japanese children scarred by the ravages of World War II. He also felt that playing the violin was not only the domain of those with prodigious talent, but that all children could flourish musically, if taught correctly. In fact, people were amazed to hear how well so many of his young students played. But Dr. Suzuki strived not to create musical geniuses, but to give his students a happy heart. And in that process, he strove to make a more peaceful and happier world.

Dr. Suzuki’s ideas were innovative and well ahead of their time. He believed for example, that for a child, learning music is akin to learning speech. Listening and repetition became core constituents of his program, as was parental involvement. He created a progressive and comprehensive musical repertoire that Suzuki students across the world still share today. There is a growing network of dedicated Suzuki teachers, many of whom participate in ongoing training and professional certification. The Suzuki “method” thrives through the support of many fine teachers, their students, and their dedicated families.