The highly respected Suzuki Method of music instruction is built on the philosophy that children can learn to play in instrument in the same way that they learn to speak: by listening, imitation, and repetition, in a nurturing-yet-challenging environment. The Suzuki Method is unique in the fact that it gives both parent and child an opportunity to enjoy learning music together. Through the belief that all children can develop musical ability, Suzuki students learn technical skills via familiar folk songs and progress through more sophisticated music in the course of their study. Suzuki learning fosters cooperation, discipline, and excellence through the joy of making music, and encourages students to progress from early childhood beginners to accomplished young-adult musicians.Shinichi Suzuki was a violinist, educator, philosopher, and humanitarian. He has had a profound influence on musiceducation throughout the world. Suzuki based his approach on the belief that, "Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability, just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.” Children learn to speak before they learn to read. Students learn to play with good tone, posture, and musical technique before learning the musical symbols for the sounds that they can produce.