Editing Suzuki method (section)

==Philosophy==
The central belief of Suzuki, based on his language acquisition theories, is that all people can (and will) learn from their [[Nature versus nurture|environment]]. The essential components of his method spring from the desire to create the "right environment" for learning music, which he also believed would foster excellent [[moral character|character]] in every student.

The method parallels the [[linguistic]] environment of acquiring a [[native language]] from the young age, which is usually referred to "mother-tongue" method.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Suzuki Method - New Zealand Suzuki Institute |url=https://suzuki.org.nz/home/suzuki-method/}}</ref> Suzuki believed that this environment would also help to foster good [[moral character]]. These components include:

* Saturation in the musical [[community]]
*: This includes attending local classical music [[concert]]s, developing friendships with other music students, and listening to recordings of professional musicians in the home every day, starting before birth if possible.
* Deliberate avoidance of musical aptitude tests or [[audition]]s to begin music study.
*: Suzuki believed that teachers who test for musical aptitude before taking students, or who look only for "talented" students, are limiting themselves to people who have already started their music education. Just as every child is expected to learn their native language, Suzuki expected every child to be able to learn to play music.
* Emphasis on playing from a very young age.
*: Suzuki believed that children should typically start formal instruction between the ages of three and five years old. (See {{section link||Technique}}).
* Using well-trained teachers.
*: Suzuki believed in training musicians not only to be better musicians, but also to be better teachers. Suzuki Associations worldwide offer ongoing teacher-training programs to prospective and continuing Suzuki teachers.
* The beginning of teaching is emphasized by [[learning music by ear]] over reading written [[musical notation]].
*: Suzuki observed that children speak before learning to read, and thought that children should also be able to play music before learning to read. To support learning by ear, students are expected to listen to recordings of the music they are learning daily.
* Memorization of all solo repertoire is expected.
*: The focus on memorization continues even after a student begins to use [[sheet music]] to learn new pieces.
* [[Music theory]] and note reading are left to the teacher.
*: The Suzuki method does not include a formal plan or prescribe specific materials for introducing music theory and reading, in part because Suzuki created the method in a culture where music literacy was routinely taught in schools.
* Regular playing in groups (including playing pieces in [[unison]]) is strongly encouraged.
*: Retaining and reviewing every piece of music ever learned is also strongly encouraged. This is intended to raise technical and musical ability. Review pieces, along with "preview" parts of music a student is yet to learn, are often used in place of the more traditional [[etude]] books. Traditional etudes and technical studies are not used in the beginning stages, which focus almost exclusively on a set of performance pieces.
* Frequent public performance makes performing feel like a natural and enjoyable part of being a musician.
*: The method is meant to discourage competition between players and advocate collaboration and mutual encouragement for those of every ability and level. However, this does not mean the complete elimination of auditions or evaluations of student performances.
*: The parent of the young student is expected to supervise instrument practice every day to attend and take notes at every lesson so they can coach the student effectively, an element of the method once dubbed "The Mom-Centric Method."<ref name="meyermom">Meyer, Constance (2003-09-07). The Mom-centric method. LA Times, 7 September 2003. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-sep-07-ca-meyer7-story.html.</ref>