“Man is the son of his environment”

The Suzuki Method was developed by Japanese violinist and pedagogue, Shin’ichi Suzuki. He was fascinated by the ability of young children to learn, and especially observed how they learned their mother tongue. He initially called his method the mother tongue approach.

One of Suzuki’s most famous quotes is: “Man is the son of his environment”.  His idea is that talent is not a special inborn trait, but something that is learned.  Aspects of “talent” are absorbed from the environment, developed through daily routine, and taught by expert teachers.  All these become part of the child’s environment that builds skill, motivation and attitude.

Key Elements to Suzuki Method Learning

• Listening – the key that unlocks Suzuki learning
• Expanding vocabulary
• Caregivers are key participants in the process.
• Highly Trained Suzuki Teachers are Crucial to Success
• Daily practice at home

Suzuki Method provides a wonderful opportunity for caregivers and children to spend focused time together. While not without its challenges, Suzuki Method presents an opportunity for caregivers to develop a deep understanding of their developing child, and to create a unique bond through the shared experience of learning to play a musical instrument.