The Suzuki method combines a music teaching method with a philosophy which embraces the total development of the child. The essence of his philosophy may be found in the following quotes from his many writings:
"My dream is for the happiness of all children. I feel respect and friendly feelings for everyone. In particular, I cannot help but feel respect and warm feelings for young children. And my heart brims over with a desire to help make all the children born upon the earth fine human beings, happy people, people of superior ability. My whole life energies are devoted to this end."
"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens, noble human beings. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops senstivitiy, discipline, and endurance. He gets beautiful heart."
"Where love is deep, much will be accomplished."
"An unlimited amount of ability can develop when parent and child are having fun together."
"Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited."
"Man is the son of his environment."