Thoughtful teachers have often used some of the elements listed here, but Suzuki has fomulated them in a cohesive approach. Students begin at young ages. Parents play an active role in the learning process. Children become comfortable with the instrument before learning to read music. Technique is taught in the context of pieces rather than through dry technical exercises.
Students perform frequently, individually and in groups.
Parental involvement is essential to the Suzuki approach. Parents of beginning children will attend private and group lessons by themselves for four weeks. This allows the parent to learn to play and care for the instrument thus feeling more secure in becoming the home teacher. The single most important ingredient for success is the parent's willingness to devote time in working closely with the child and teacher. Many Suzuki teachers actually require prospective parents and children to observe individual and group lessons and other activities prior to joining their programs.