Born: October 17, 1898
Died: January 26, 1998
Nationality: Japanese
Instrument: Violin
One of twelve children in his family, his father owned a violin factory in Japan. He didn’t know what they sounded like, until he was 17 and heard a recording of Mischa Elman playing Schubert’s Ave Maria.
The outline of Suzuki’s life can be easily found in the articles listed below. What strikes me the most is the massive affect he managed to have on the world. If time travel is ever invented, I think I would like to meet Shinichi Suzuki.
All accounts of his personality and demeanor portray him as a peaceful, open-hearted man. People like this are not easily found in today’s bustling world. We are always in a hurry, thinking of what is coming next, and forgetting to live in the moment. Playing the violin is about living in the moment, and making each moment beautiful.
He certainly had it right when he coached children to “catch the hearts of the composers” in their music (2). That is one reason I play – I want to catch the hearts of the composers and listeners. I want to share my heart with the music in a way that words can’t express.
But Suzuki took it further. Music, specifically the violin, was only the tool he used to teach children, and families, to see and share beauty and peace in the world. I hope you take the time to read more about Dr. Suzuki, and to read his books. He gained a truly unique perspective of the world, and was gifted with the ability to share it through his teaching.
Links:
Books by Suzuki: