Suzuki Philosophy

To understand Suzuki’s work, one must delve into his philosophical thinking. What we call now the Suzuki Philosophy. In 1960, when the first Western string teachers arrived in Matsumoto to learn more about the mother tongue method, they felt, once they returned home, that something might have eluded their understanding during their stay in Japan: even following step by step the learned methodology, the results were not the same as those shown by Japanese children. They soon realized that this methodology, unlike others, owed part of its success to a philosophy full of strong values and ethical principles.

• All children can learn and maximize their abilities.
• The development of skills should start as early as possible, although it is never too late to begin.
• A positive and motivating environment nourishes the growth and development of children, giving them confidence and self-assurance.
• Children learn from each other.
• Parental involvement is essential.
• It is important to encourage children. Genuine praise motivates, while criticism causes rejection.
• The learning process should be step by step, gradually developing skills, steadily but without rushing.
• The unique pace of each child must be respected.
• Cooperation, not competition.
• Repetition with focus.
• Music is the vehicle to create a better world. The goal is not only to teach music but, through it, to educate the person.

“A stimulating and positive education will provide not only intelligence and superior feelings, but also nobility and purity of thought.”

Shinichi Suzuki