To questions such as these, add prerequisites that are important to you. It's fine if one loves children, praises and encourages them, provides listening opportunities and uses the Suzuki repertoire, but the teacher must also have knowledge of the technique of the instrument. If you feel that you don't have the capability to judge a teacher's expertise, ask other parents who are more musically experienced for their judgements. When you evaluate a teacher, look for loving care of the child coupled with high standards for every level of performance. It is possible for this to be done in an atmosphere of love and encouragement, and this is the goal of teachers who follow Suzuki's philosophy.
Materials are now available for viola, cello, bass, piano, flute, harp, and guitar.
Fortunately, Suzuki students are normal children whose parents may have little or no musical experience. Their parents have simply chosen to introduce them to music through the Suzuki approach, a unique philosophy of music education developed over forty years ago by Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki.