Why Choose the Suzuki Method

At Lakewood Suzuki Strings, we believe every child has the ability to learn and love music, and the Suzuki Method is a wonderful way to make that possible. Developed by Japanese violinist and educator Shinichi Suzuki, the Suzuki Method goes far beyond simply playing notes. It’s a philosophy rooted in the idea that “every child can” succeed with the right environment, encouragement, and support. The Suzuki Method for learning music not only nurtures musical skills, but also develops confidence, discipline, and character.

If you’re exploring options for your child’s music education, here are some key reasons why the Suzuki Method stands out from other approaches.

“Every Child Can” is the phrase we use to describe the core of the Suzuki teaching philosophy. In Suzuki philosophy, we believe that talent and skill isn’t necessarily something you're born with — it’s something that is nurtured. We recognize that every child can grow and succeed when given the right environment, consistent support, and loving encouragement.

No child simply wakes up a prodigy; their skills develop through repetition, expert guidance, and strong parental involvement. Instead of attributing success to a child’s innate ability, we focus on what’s truly within reach for all children: growth through consistent effort .

As children experience this kind of growth, they build confidence in their playing and in themselves. They begin to understand that they can do hard things, and that discipline, perseverance, and grit lead to real achievement. The Suzuki Method meets each child where they are, and honors their unique pace of learning.

With the right support, every child can succeed.

Learning Music as a Language: The “Mother-Tongue” Approach

Within the Suzuki Method, we teach music the same way children naturally learn to speak: through listening, imitation, and immersion. This is known in the Suzuki Method as the “mother-tongue approach.”

Think about how your child learned to speak: long before they could read or recognize letters, they were listening closely to the language around them. Babies copy the language spoken in their environment — they mimic sounds, repeat words, and eventually begin speaking in full sentences. 

This is all done before the child ever opens a book. We don’t expect children to read before they speak, and we take the same approach to learning music.

In the Suzuki Method, students begin by listening to recordings of the pieces they will learn. Then, with the help of their teacher and parent, they begin learning those pieces on their instrument by ear. This early focus on listening builds strong musical memory, develops a strong ear, and allows students to express themselves freely before adding the challenge of reading music to their practice.

Once a student feels confident and comfortable playing their instrument, we introduce note reading in a way that feels natural and well-supported.

Parental Involvement: Parents Are Part of the Journey

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Suzuki Method is the active role that parents play in their child’s musical journey.  At Lakewood Suzuki Strings, we nurture strong relationships between the teacher, the parent, and the student: a triangle of support that supports your child’s growth every step of the way.

As the parent you attend weekly lessons, take notes, and guide daily practice at home. Daily practice becomes a special time of connection, where you and your child work together toward a shared goal. As the practice partner, you’re modeling the importance of showing up, sticking with challenges, and finding joy in the process of learning. This consistent, loving presence helps your child build confidence not just in music, but in themselves.

With your support, music becomes more than just a skill; it becomes a lasting bond and a life lesson in perseverance and self-belief.

The Philosophy: Music as a Tool for Character

At Lakewood Suzuki Strings, we believe music is a powerful tool for shaping character.  The Suzuki Method is not just a way to learn an instrument; it’s a philosophy of nurturing the whole child.

When Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed this approach in the mid-20th century, his goal wasn’t to create professional musicians. He wanted to help children become compassionate, lifelong learners with strong hearts and resilient spirits. He believed that the skills developed through learning an instrument — such as confidence, empathy, listening, discipline, and teamwork — could enrich every area of a child’s life.

Learning music in this way becomes a joyful, meaningful journey; one that supports your child’s growth not just as a musician, but as a thoughtful, capable human being.

It’s Not Just Lessons — It’s a Community

At Lakewood Suzuki Strings, learning an instrument happens with a supportive, encouraging community of other music families. In addition to private lessons, all students participate in group classes designed to match their age and level. From our youngest “Twinkle” students starting around age 3 to advanced studio classes for teens up to age 18, every child has a place to belong and grow.

Group classes are a core part of the Suzuki experience. Group class builds essential skills such as teamwork, listening, and cooperation, all while helping students feel connected and motivated. In these classes, students learn to play together, celebrate one another’s progress, and feel motivated and inspired by their peers.

When children learn together, they don’t just grow as musicians — they grow as people.

The Suzuki Method is more than a way to learn an instrument; it’s a journey to develop students’ character as a whole. Through the method and philosophy, children are given the tools not just to play music, but to become confident, kind, and capable individuals.

If this method and philosophy resonates with your family, we’d love to welcome you into our community!