1) The environment, rather than genetic background, determines the success of the student.

 

2) Dr. Suzuki observed that every child learns his or her native tongue in the first few years of life by listening to and imitating the mother's voice; Dr. Suzuki called this the "mother tongue" approach. We now know that the same process can be used to teach music.

 

3) We are most successful when we break each new skill into the smallest possible steps, affirming and supporting each attempt with positive reinforcement.

 

4) The purpose of music instruction is not to create professional musicians, but to develop the whole child through the study of music. Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character through the study of music.​