In the Suzuki learning community, we care that you listen.  We care that you listen EVERY DAY to music.  Listening to good quality music is essential in the learning of music in a similar manner as listening to a language spoken by a native speaker is essential to learning that language as a foreigner.  For students, they are encouraged to practice every day and also to listen every day.  It is listening to the professionally performed recordings of their own repertoire which leads to artistic and expressive playing.  Our ability to communicate to others comes through when we are no longer encumbered by the technique.  To go beyond the notes, rhythms and fingerings, "listening" is an essential step of the process that is easily overlooked. Listening to the pieces accelerates the learning of the correct notes significantly.  

Dr. Suzuki knew that if music were being listened to in our homes, then we are sending the message that music is important. When we perform our music--and our students are serious--we communicate to all audiences that we care about others by sharing our music. We share our feelings through music. When we perform in public, such as our Playathon and community performances, we share our humanity in this very important way.

Sachiko Isihara