I began learning the piano through the Suzuki method when I was six years old. My Suzuki training became interrupted when my family moved to an area of the country that did not have any piano teachers familiar with Suzuki. So, I finished my piano training using traditional methods. Fortunately, I was able to reach the senior concerto level of piano mastery in this way. BUT, my passion has always been teaching children the joy of music through the "mother-tongue" or Suzuki approach.
My preference for the Suzuki method grew stronger as I saw that this teaching method combines musical skill with a philosophy which embraces the total development of the child. Dr. Suzuki's guiding principle was "Character first, ability second."
One of his quotes which guides my teaching-
"Music is a language that goes beyond speech and letters - a living art that is almost mystical. This is where its emotional impact comes in. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven - without exception they live clearly and palpably in their music, and speak forcefully to us, purifying us, refining us, and awakening in us the highest joy and emotion."