Shinichi Suzuki

Brief History

Ten Key Elements in the Suzuki Philosophy by Sanford Reuning

Curriculum

Loma Linda Academy Suzuki String Program

Photos

Talent Education was first introduced to the U.S. in 1964 when Suzuki led a group of 10 young  Japanese violinists to tour the U.S.  However, prior to the tour, it was Kenji Mochizuki, then a student at Oberlin College in Ohio, who presented a film of 500 children performing the Double Violin Concerto by Bach at a concert held in Tokyo's Metropolitan Gymnasium in 1955, and that initially sparked the interest of American music teachers.  Tours to the U.S. given by Japanese Suzuki students continued annually for the next 30 years. 

Above:  Dr. Suzuki and a group of 10 young Japanese violinists performing their first U.S. concert tour in 1964.

The method has become so well-received throughout the world that Suzuki programs have been established worldwide.  By 1978, teachers from all over including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Australia and Japan, those who traveled to Matsumoto to receive teacher training from Suzuki, agreed that a world organization of the Suzuki Method be established.  Five years later, this vision was carried through and the International Suzuki Association was established in 1983.     

In the U.S., the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) was established to provide programs and services to members throughout North and South America.  It is a joining of teachers, parents, educators, and others who are interested in making music education available to all children.  The Suzuki Association of the Americas "aspires to improve the quality of life in the Americas through Suzuki education" and "seek to create a learning community, which embraces excellence and nurtures the human spirit."