was the founder of the Suzuki Method. It is a unique method developed in Japan for teaching children a variety of instruments. The Suzuki method is most commonly used to teach piano, violin, cello, and flute.
Dr. Suzuki was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1898. He became inspired to teach children and develop his philosophy during WWII. At this time, he was separated from his wife because of her status as a foreigner. Food became very scarce and living conditions were less than ideal. Suzuki became very ill, taking months to recover. Dr. Suzuki has often stated that it was this difficult experience which sparked in him a determination to positively influence the lives of children.
The Suzuki method is based on the principle that all children possess ability and that this ability can be developed and enhanced through a nurturing environment. All children learn to speak their own language with relative ease and if the same natural learning process is applied in teaching other skills, these can be acquired as successfully. Suzuki referred to the process as the Mother Tongue Method and to the whole system of musical pedagogy as Talent Education.