The social and community aspects of the Suzuki Method contribute to success. Children learn best, and are motivated to earn, when they are involved with other children as well as their parents. Group lessons and shared individual lessons are an integral part of the Suzuki Method. There are many musical and social skills that young musicians can learn through group participation. Playing concerts and recitals with their peers gives everyone a sense of joy and satisfaction on a job well done.
Children learn to play the instrument first, then they learn to read music.
Students do not begin reading until their ear is well-developed and they are comfortable with the instrument. This process usually takes a few years, depending on the student's age. It seems normal to us that children speak for several years before learning to read. It is just as normal for children to play an instrument for several years before learning to read music. Music reading is a skill that does need to be taught and Suzuki teachers have developed ways of doing this at the appropriate time for each individual child.