Suzuki Strings of St. Petersburg
Music is the language of the heart without words. - Shinichi Suzuki

The mission of Suzuki Strings of St. Petersburg is to provide a nurturing environment in which parents, teachers and students can share ideas and experiences through music education. This will be achieved by offering support and resources to families and the community to support talent education and human development while engaged in music education. The site is dedicated to Shinichi Suzuki, Arthur Dale Montzka, Ryan Mark Smith, & Katie Froeschle. Opportunities and Services provided by Suzuki Strings of St. Petersburg: Workshops during the year Group “Play-ins” Master classes Journal club meetings Parent Meetings Concerts/Recitals Play at Nursing homes or public facilities Scholarship program Dr. Shinichi Suzuki:  A History of the Philosophy and the Man Enriching lives of children and families through music… Shinichi Suzuki was born in Nagoya, Japan on October 17, 1898.  He died on January 26, 1998.  Dr. Suzuki dedicated his life to training students and teachers to help every child find joy in making music.  He based his philosophy on the method in which language skills are developed.  The Suzuki Philosophy is often referred to as the ‘mother-tongue approach’ or talent education.  Dr. Suzuki believed that all children had the potential to be very highly educated.  Using music education as a vehicle, children develop confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, concentration, and the determination to try difficult things.  Children also develop a lasting enjoyment of music when taught in a supportive and loving environment.  In the traditional Suzuki triangle, the parent, child, and teacher work together as a team.  Group lessons compliment the weekly private lessons and offer additional motivation and inspiration to the child.  Dr. Suzuki’s primary goal was never just to teach children to become fine musicians.  Rather, he was passionate about nurturing fine human beings.  He believed that with the proper environment and educational process and through the medium of music, sensitivity and understanding may be raised in children, creating for each child a better life-- and for all of us a better world.   An Overview of the History of Shinichi Suzuki’s ideas: Philosophy Method Create beautiful hearts Begin early Develop sensitivity Progress by small steps Respect all life Each step is successful Know the joy of making music Involve the parent Art is within every human heart Listen to recordings Every child can learn Common repertoire Benefits of a Suzuki Music Education: Development of the Whole Person Discipline with love Self-discipline in time Learning to set goals Time Management Concentration Focus Perseverance Problem Solving:  Learning how to break down a problem to manageable steps to insure success Learn the art of playing Appreciation of classical and other forms of music Awareness of beauty Wonderful heart Memory Development of the Brain Fine Motor Control Stage Presence:  Poise Sharing oneself and one’s music with others Socialization Sensitivity Personal enrichment Consideration and support for peers Respect Tolerance

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All black & white photographs provided by Art Montzka