The Suzuki method instills in children a keen musical ear and a true love of music, and is a highly successful way to teach young children how to play an instrument. Children who are Suzuki trained play beautiful music, not just notes, because they depend not only on note reading but on imitation of the sounds they have memorized.

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 pedagogy as Talent Education.

The important elements of the Suzuki approach to instrumental teaching include the following:

· an early start (aged 3-4 is normal in most countries)
· the importance of listening to music
· learning to play before learning to read
· the involvement of the parent
· a nurturing and positive learning environment
· a high standard of teaching by trained teachers
· the importance of producing a good sound in a balanced and natural way
· core repertoire, used by Suzuki students across the world
· social interaction with other children: Suzuki students from all over the world can communicate through the language of music

Aims of the Suzuki Method
The Suzuki method has enabled many children to play music to a high standard. Substantial numbers of Suzuki trained students have indeed become highly acclaimed professional musicians. However, the training of professionals is not the main aim: the emphasis throughout is on the development of the whole child, on education through music. Dr Suzuki himself always said that his wish was to foster the human qualities in the child. At every opportunity he called on politicians, teachers and parents to ensure that the full potential of every child is developed.

For further information about Suzuki Instruction, please visit The Suzuki Association of the Americas website and read the Suzuki Twinkler.  This excellent article will give you an overview of Suzuki teaching and will answer many questions that you may have.  Download this article by clicking this link.

Suzuki Lessons and Instruments
Violin and cello lessons are attended by both the child and the parent. Both individual and group lessons are offered.  Each student needs an excellent instrument to achieve the beautiful tone that Suzuki teaching inspires.  Low quality instruments cannot produce a beautiful tone and are most often set up incorrectly.  This will cause the child to advance at a much slower rate and usually leads to frustration.  Classic Winds, Strings & Percussion has an excellent selection of quality, small instruments that will help the child succeed.  Call the store to discuss our attractive rental program.

Bonnie Bull
Bonnie Bull holds the Bachelor of Music Education from DePaul University and the Master of Cello Performance from Roosevelt University.  She has taught both Suzuki violin and cello for 31 years.  She has done session work in Chicago and has played as a member in regional orchestras in Georgie.  She was a member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra and currently plays in the Festival String Quartet.  Her students have been members and soloists with the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Georgia All-State Orchestras.  She is currently president of the Suzuki Association of Atlanta.

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