Florida Suzuki Institute to be held June 9 – 17, 2012

• Learn more about the philosophy behind Talent Education by attending either the Teacher or Student development programs at the Florida Suzuki Institute (FSI) in June, 2012;  This event will be held on the campus of Eckerd College.  Visit the web site:  www.floridasuzukiinstitute.com for more details.
• Chances are you have landed on this site because you want your child to love music, experience the joy of making music, and/or have a creative outlet for expressing emotion.  Or, perhaps you never had lessons as a child and are interested in pursuing them now.  Talent Education, or the Suzuki Method, provides all of the ingredients necessary to successfully begin a musical journey.
• How many times have you heard an adult say “I wish my parents never let me quit”? Or, “I was never given this opportunity as a child”? Or, “I hated lessons because I was forced to play as a child”?  Well, thank goodness, the Suzuki method arrived in the United States over 45 years ago, and children have the opportunity to learn to love playing.  We inspire children and families using music.  It’s what we do!
• Come observe a lesson to learn more about our programs.   Since 2002, Suzuki Strings of St Petersburg has shared the joy of launching hundreds of talented young musicians.  We look forward to sharing this joy with you!

Why Talent Education or the Suzuki Method?

Because it works! The greatest reason for enrolling a child in a Suzuki program is to enhance the development of the ‘whole person’.  Having a support system is critical in trying any new endeavor. Talent education relies on a nurturing environment with parental involvement, the support of friends, teachers and each other. No other discipline touches every aspect of a human being’s development like music does.  There is an emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual component to music.  It’s affect on development cannot be understated.  As you watch a student grow, you will be amazed at the dexterity, the intuition, the feeling, the problem-solving, and the joy that are created and nurtured.

The Man Behind The Method:

Shinichi Suzuki was a Japanese violinist, educator, philosopher and humanitarian born on October 17th, 1898.  He passed away in Japan at the age of 99, in 1998.  After studying violin in Japan, Suzuki traveled to Germany in the 1920’s to further his study.  After the end of World War II, Dr. Suzuki created and devoted his life to the development of the method he calls Talent Education.

Dr. Suzuki’s realization that every child speaks their native language created an ‘aha’ moment for him.  His belief that “Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed” propelled him forward.  He believed that the potential of every child is unlimited, given a nurturing and stimulating environment.  It is the responsibility of the caregivers and adults in the child’s world to provide them with an invigorating environment.

Dr. Suzuki’s goal was not simply to develop professional musicians, but to nurture loving human beings and help develop each child’s character and life skills through the study of music.  Developing talent requires many key components: immersion, repetition, devotion, discipline and probably the greatest element which is love.

With us, learning is fun, yet done with purpose. Students love playing for events and seeing their ability blossom. We make memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Come play with us!

Dedication:

This site is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Shinichi Suzuki and Arthur Dale Montzka whose influence profoundly impacted the world.  The photos of Shinichi Suzuki on this site were taken by Arthur Montzka.